Deputy Claire Kerrane has urged the HSE to put financial packages in place to allow people in Roscommon and Galway to either go home from hospitals or nursing homes or remain at home.
Speaking on newly released figures from the HSE, the Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon and Galway said:“As of the end of February there were 69 people in County Roscommon waiting on a new home care package, with five people waiting for additional home care supports. In County Galway there were 141 people waiting for a new package with 22 people waiting on additional supports.
“At a time when we need to limit the numbers going into our hospitals and nursing homes, we need to see the waiting lists for home care cleared as a matter of urgency to ensure that those who can remain in their home can be supported to do so.
“With that, we need to ensure that the level of home care for individuals meets their own individual need. In many cases the time given to older people, especially in their own home is inadequate and home care professionals are left under pressure trying to carry out their duties in a limited time that is sometimes no more than a half an hour.
“Eliminating these waiting lists has to be a priority as we continue to tackle the Coronavirus,” Deputy Kerrane added. “We need to keep our older people and those with underlying health conditions safe and home, and we need to ensure that the care packages are in place to make this happen.”
