Sir, – Paul Cullen ("Fair Deal: fudging a political hot potato") highlights the dilemma for the Government in trying to make the most of the budget for older persons.
Funding nursing home places when home-care packages are what is needed makes no sense.
But while older persons are assessed for a contribution towards the cost of a nursing home place, there is no similar system for home-care packages as medical cards provide free eligibility.
As a healthcare professional I have no doubt that the solution will involve a complete re-think in strategy in how public funds are used and services managed.
Developing community-based older persons teams that can case manage and review the care needs of older persons, so that they have the right level of care at the right time will be an important part of the solution. – Yours, etc, FRANK BROWNE Templeogue, Dublin 16.
