Almost 600 Wexford people waiting for home help
ATOTAL of 578 people in Wexford are waiting to receive home support services, Fianna Fáil Deputy James Browne told the Dáil, making the waiting list there one of the worst in the country.
‘Conversely, in many counties there are no waiting lists,’ he said. ‘Next door in the Carlow-Kilkenny area nobody is waiting for support. Why are vulnerable people in Wexford being discriminated against in comparison to people living in other counties?’
Speaking during a debate on older people’s needs, he provided provide three examples for the Minister of State (Jim Daly).
‘An 84-year-old woman who is living alone and crippled with arthritis has been approved for a Home Care package for almost one year, yet she does not receive support for even half an hour,’ he said.
‘An 85-year-old who is bed-ridden and living alone can receive no support at the weekend. A 74-year-old who has an oxygen tank, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, and asthma and been approved for home support for almost a year cannot receive any support. What does the Minister of State say to these people?’
Deputy Browne said it was totally unacceptable that so many older people cannot receive the vital supports they need, but it is outrageous that some counties such as his own - Wexford - are bearing the brunt of the waiting lists.
‘Why are older people in Wexford being discriminated against and when will it end?’