Press Releases

Older & Bolder today calls for the implementation of the Law Reform Commission recommendations on professional home care  and for a wider public debate on long-term care. 

Patricia Conboy,  Director of Older & Bolder said,

 “We welcome the Law Reform Commission report which takes a holistic and person-centred view of the care of older people.

Home Help services will be on life support

Older & Bolder is deeply worried about health cuts and the damaging effects these will have on older people’s health and safety.

Older & Bolder welcomes the imminent publication of the HSE Service Plan as the delay has led to anxiety amongst those who may bear the brunt of proposed cuts. While welcoming the reported ‘ring fenced’ funding of primary and community care services, serious questions need to be answered about the reported closure of up to 600 public beds.

There is no doubt this country is experiencing historically difficult financial times but Older & Bolder stress that the response to this crisis must never be one of expediency and those who are most vulnerable must not be made to pay for the country’s debts.

Older & Bolder today welcomed in principle the proposal by the Minister for Health James Reilly to establish a special fund to pay for services and facilities that would allow more older people to remain in their own homes rather than being moved to long-term residential care.

Older & Bolder is alarmed at proposed cuts to community nursing homes and the threat to community care services

“What will happen now to older people? Where are older people to live as they age?

Indirect taxes to hit the most vulnerable including older people

Deep concern for the welfare of older people – Older & Bolder respond to Minister Reilly
 

Older & Bolder welcomes Minister Howlin’s commitment today to maintain ‘social solidarity in the face of difficult times,’ which the Minister has demonstrated with the continued support for the Medical Card and long-term care. Older & Bolder Director Patricia Conboy said, “I am disappointed that the Minister has singled out older people as ‘placing demands on essential health and personal social services…’

Days before the 2012 Budget, Older & Bolder Director Patricia Conboy said, “It is crucial that we protect what we already have in place. This is the clear thrust of the messages Older & Bolder have been receiving as part of the campaign, Make Home Work – The Right to Age Well at Home.”