Harney unveils new health service packages

Elderly people are to get more support in their own homes, with extra funding for home-care support packages, home help and "meals on wheels" services, it was announced today

Minister for Health Mary Harney unveiled a number of new packages today that focus on caring for older people at home, with about three-quarters of the €150 million funding announced in yesterday's Budget allocated to improving community care supports.

The new funding will represent extra resources of €150 million in a full year, with €110 million allocated in 2006 and €40 million in 2007.

Ms Harney announced an additional €30 million for home help in 2006, while day care and respite care will receive a €7 million boost in 2006 and €2 million in 2007, providing an extra 1,325 places each week in centres.

An additional 2,000 home care packages are also planned by the end of next year, which include providing nursing service, home care attendants, home help, physiotherapists therapists and occupational therapists.

Meals on wheels funding will get €2.5 million more in 2006, and the same in 2007.

Ms Harney has raised the property ceiling for nursing home subvention scheme from €95,000 to €500,000 in Dublin and €300,000 for the rest of the country. The asset ceiling has also been increased, rising to €36,000 with the first

€11,000 being disregarded.

The Minister is also allocating €2 million to address abuse of the elderly.

Ms Harney described today's announcement as "a start", and promised further initiatives and measures would be announced.