HSE urged to help smaller healthcare organisations provide their services

The HSE needs to do more to help smaller healthcare companies, according to a member of Mayo County Council.

Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne made his comments at last week’s meeting of the council's Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) where members heard a presentation from Age Friendly Homes (AFH).

Acting regional programme manager for AFH, Francis Kan,  outlined the work that the group carries out throughout Ireland. AFH aims to enable older people to continue living in their homes or a home more suited to their needs, feel part of a community, live with a sense of independence and autonomy, be a part of their community, and avoid early or premature admission to long-term residential care.

Two co-ordinators have been appointed for Mayo, where there is a potential to reach over 10,000 people over the age of 60.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides €1.5 million annually towards AFH.

Mr Kane says 1.6 million of Ireland’s population will be over the age of 60 in 2051.

Cllr Kilcoyne said that the HSE needs to show more commitment to organisations like AFH as Home Help is cheaper on the State than the Fair Deal.

“You’re doing your best but you are not receiving cooperation from these organisations, and that’s because of government policy. At the moment, we’re short of home help workers in Mayo and the result is that these people are being forced into nursing homes against their will,” Cllr Kilcoyne said.

Chair of the SPC, Cllr Patsy O’Brien, praised the AFH for their work, saying. "It’s about connecting with older people." He remarked that the SEAI just takes too long when it comes to providing grants.