Once again, light has been shone on the gross inadequacies of our health service in caring for older people. If you watched Frontline last night on RTE, you will probably feel the way we do, disgusted.
We are well aware of the struggles older people face to get the care they need and deserve from our health service. Besides our own personal experiences, we regularly receive emails, often in desperation, seeking light at the end of a tunnel of frustration and anger.
Last night's programme revealed some things we already knew, and some we didn't:
- Waiting list for Home Care Packages after a hospital discharge
We could barely believe our ears. The application process for this scheme is an arduous one. It involves a myriad of forms, means testing and often a long wait, assuming the scheme exists in your area!
Now we are told that someone who has been in the scheme must go to the back of the queue after a hospital admission? This is ludicrous.
Here is a line from the Citizens Information page on the Home Care Package:
There are no national guidelines on how to qualify for the Scheme or how
income or means are assessed.
Is it any wonder people are angry?
- Cutbacks on Home Care Package delivery
In its current state, this scheme is mediocre at best, and a failure in many ways. Now they are cutting the hours of the home helps?
Minister Brady seemed lost when asked about this. We are lost too. There is no clear information out there! Yet another failure by the HSE.
- No regulation on private Home Care Services
Although it's good to hear Minister Brady's promises that regulations are on the way, she could not even give an estimate of when.
Some private home care companies have been operating here for over 20 years! It took the Leas Cross scandal to rush through nursing home regulations. Is that what it will take for private home care? We sincerely hope not.
- No clear information on Dementia Care
The information on accessing dementia and alzheimer's care in Ireland is extremely patchy. You can get some from the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland and less from the HSE, in our experience.
Knowledge is power. We are powerless and helpless without this information.
The story of the woman forced to abandon her mother at the hospital to get 25 hours of home care says it all. We have been brought to our knees by a health service that is chasing its own tail.
Our loved ones deserve better. We all do.
Have you any stories of your own experiences? If you did watch Frontline, what really made you angry?
Let us know in the comments section. We need to be heard.