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O’ROURKE CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Frank O’Rourke, has again highlighted the need to provide supports for older people, as CSO figures show a significant increase in the number of older people acting as carers for their loved ones and relatives.

Between 2011 and 2016, there has been nearly a 20% increase, from 24,746 to 29,311, in the number of people, aged 65 years or older, providing care for their loved ones.

“Since being elected, I have highlighted the need to prepare for the change in demographics.  In 2006, there were 468,000 people aged 65 or older in Ireland, but by 2041, the number of people in this country aged 65 or older will be 1.4 million.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE”

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O’ROURKE SAYS HOMECARE PACKAGES SHOULD BE PART OF FAIR DEAL

Frank O’Rourke TD has said Home Care Packages should be added as an option as part of the Fair Deal Scheme

“Earlier this year, Fianna Fail introduced the Nursing Home Support Scheme (amendment Bill) 2016, which will facilitate the use of the Fair Deal Scheme model for Home Care Packages. The Bill  passed through to the second stage of the legislative process and is now scheduled to come before the Dail again in July” stated Deputy O’Rourke.

“My experience with my constituents who attend my weekly clinic in relation to care for their elderly parents or relations, is that many families are choosing care at home rather than residential care. On average, it costs three times as much to care for someone in a nursing home than in their own home.” Continue reading “O’ROURKE SAYS HOMECARE PACKAGES SHOULD BE PART OF FAIR DEAL”