WHAT IS GOING ON? MORE CONFUSION ABOUT CUTS TO HOME CARE SERVICES [06/09/2012]

Uncertainty and lack of clarity continue to be the order of the day for recipients of HSE Home Care services.  Following a statement issued today on behalf of Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, there is more confusion about the status of Home Help services and Home Care packages.

Director of Older & Bolder, Ms. Patricia Conboy today asked “What is going on? Is the HSE cutting Home Care services as announced a week ago or is it not?  What is the status of Home Help services and Home Care packages now that we are being told, on behalf of Minister Reilly,  that ‘with regard to home care packages and home help hours, the Minister has clarified that, as is currently the practice, the HSE will assess each case according to their individual needs?’    What does this mean in practice?”

Ms. Conboy continued:  “We need to know whether the cuts of €12.5 million to Home Care services are being implemented or not.  Is the HSE assessing individual cases and needs in the wake of a cut to their Home Care budget or is it not?  And just how is the HSE going to engage efficiently and humanely in the individualised assessment of the 5,000 recipients of Home Care packages?”

She added:  “Those who are already in receipt of services are fearful about the potential loss of services and those who are on waiting lists are fearful about the refusal of much-needed help.  People who are vulnerable due to illness, frailty and disability need clarity and re-assurance not the promise of assessment in the absence of clear guidelines and a transparent assessment process.”