Mary Wallace
Ceist:66 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the estimates his Department assembles for determining the number and needs of elderly requiring care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11681/95]
Written Answers. - Care of Elderly.
Limerick East): In the first instance, the number of elderly persons residing in each catchment area is calculated by the various health boards through examination of the latest census of population returns as compiled by the Central Statistics Office. Then, the service norms as recommended in the 1988 working-party report “The Years Ahead — A Policy for the Elderly” are applied in relation to the many aspects of care of the elderly e.g. assessment and rehabilitation beds, long-stay beds, day hospital places, beds for elderly mentally infirm, public health nurses, home helps and day-centre places.