Sir, – As a registered proprietor of a nursing home , when I read headlines like "Half of all nursing home residents should be at home, says report" (June 3rd), it makes me wonder how much time the authors of the report have actually spent in nursing homes observing and assessing residents needs. These comments show a lack of understanding of the complex everyday issues of elderly care that are increasing as people live longer. Of course, many elderly people when asked, "Would you like to be at home?", will understandably answer yes, but who will bear the increased costs for all the necessary community support required – the family or the State? Who will accept responsibility when thing go wrong ? The question that often causes rifts within the family is who will take responsibility or stay at home as the main carer for their loved one. I look forward to the day when my own future care needs will be met in the community by a fully functioning community primary care service but I fear I will be left waiting. – Yours, etc,
MG STOREY,
Glencar,Sligo.
Sir, – Some issues seem to grab the headlines day after day, so that is why a serious look at the challenges that many of us will one day have to face, whether as people in need of care, or as carers, has never been as important. Keep up the good work in covering an issue media outlets sometimes overlook. – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA O’RIORDAN,
Dublin 8.