Vol. 554 No. 5
941 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the concrete proposals he has received for the elderly of the areas of Dublin 3, 5 and 9; and the practical measures he has to assist people in these areas. [15584/02]
Responsibility for the provision of services for the elderly in the areas of Dublin 3, 5 and 9 rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. I am advised by the authority that a number of initiatives have been implemented during the year to enhance the delivery of services to the elderly in the Northern Area Health Board region which includes the area of Dublin 3, 5 and 9.
The services catered for under the 2002 provider plan include community support services, home first, home care funding, the North Inner City Partnership and the provision of grants to voluntary organisations.
The authority hopes to further improve community support services by providing: Alzheimer's day services at Sybil Hill, Raheny, a day care centre in St. Monica's, Belvedere Place, further respite beds in Clontarf orthopaedic hospital and by increasing the funding to home help organisations to allow for more comprehensive services.
The home first project allows older people to remain in their own homes or return home from hospital with a comprehensive range of services. The project is being expanded at Beaumont Hospital to cater for additional clients. The project is also being extended to the Mater Hospital. I am informed by the authority that this will allow up to 30 clients to be discharged from the hospital setting.
Home care funding is being provided to individuals to fund home care assisting. This allows older people to remain at home in line with their assessed needs.
The North Inner City GP Partnership development has led to the appointment of two nurses and one social worker to work as links between GPs, community services and geriatric services in the Mater Hospital.
In order to assist and maintain older residents at home with the appropriate community support the authority has entered into partnership and allocated funds to various voluntary organisations for the provision of a range of projects for older people.
