Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
1089. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the actions he has taken in response to the Mental Health Commission December 2020 Report Mental Health Services for Older People; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22250/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraProvision of quality care for older people, who can be among the most vulnerable in society, remains a priority for the Government, which is committed to providing the leadership and resources to improve mental health outcomes for older people. This commitment is underlined by the significant increase of €50 million in Exchequer funds for HSE Mental Health Services in 2021.
The Department welcomes the report on mental health services for older people published by the Mental Health Commission. It should be noted that there is a wide range of mental supports for older people in place. Nationally, there are 32 psychiatry of later life community teams. These teams support people to remain in their homes and in the community where possible, in line with Slaintecare recommendations. In addition, the HSE provides over 400 inpatient mental health beds dedicated for older people.
Healthy ageing and the mental health of older people was recognised as a key consideration during the development of Sharing the Vision. The policy identifies the importance of promoting positive mental health in the older population and of providing appropriate specialist mental health services to older people. Late last year, a National Implementation and Monitoring Committee was established to drive and oversee implementation of the policy over the next 10 years.
In 2019, the HSE launched the Specialist Geriatric Services model of care. It outlines how specialist mental health services for people aged 65 and over should be developed appropriately to focus on supporting the mental health needs of this group.
The model of care recognises the importance of integrated care. It focuses on a number of areas, including improving clinical pathways in the community and acute hospitals and building on relationships with primary care and geriatric medicine.
This programme is complemented by the recent launch of the HSE Model of Care for Talking Therapies, which applies to all adults, including those over 65.
The Healthy Ireland Framework makes a clear commitment to improving partnerships, strategies and initiatives that support older people to maintain, improve or manage their physical and mental wellbeing, by addressing risk factors and promoting protective measures to support lifelong health and wellbeing.
The Framework will also lead to increased mental health supports for those in long-term palliative care and the development of age-friendly services in community and primary care settings.
Under the Department of Health’s Keep Well campaign for living with Covid, €7 million has been invested to support the delivery of wellbeing and resilience initiatives with a range of partners. These initiatives include supports for older people.
Of course, the existing range of mental health supports available, including those promoted through yourmentalhealth.ie or 1800 111 888 can be accessed by older people. These include for example free online counselling delivered though MyMind.
