Madam, - The Minister for Health has produced a seemingly comprehensive and in-depth plan to enable the elderly to be cared for in their homes.
The elderly are entitled to holistic care in their homes, the challenge being that care-delivery must be flexible, creative, innovative and span over seven days, 24 hours a day.
However, why is the older person not part of the consultative process? The challenge presented to the HSE is to facilitate a partnership approach between the stakeholders, the carer and the support team. It is imperative that a referral system and comprehensive assessment of need be implemented.
There must be additional support systems and therapeutic interventions established, to enable the person to be socially empowered. The buying-in of interdisciplinary services must be envisaged. To ensure the proposed plan is effective, it must be based on sound theoretical nursing knowledge.
The everyday reality may be that the responsibility of care frequently lies with one person, potentially leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and burdened. The availability of support systems, and access to respite services must endeavour to counteract this. Care packages must be equitable across geographical regions, thereby reflecting the health strategy.
While this proposed plan is certainly the way forward, it will not meet everyone's needs. Access to dedicated care in nursing homes will always be a necessity. The proposed care package will not come cheap. However, it should offer immense choice and dignity to the older person, thereby enhancing the quality of life. - Yours, etc,
BRIDGET FITZGERALD, R.N.I.D., Cappamore, Co Limerick.