€5.25M allocated towards Meals on Wheels and Day Centres
Funding to the tune of €5.25 million has been announced for Meals on Wheels and Day Centres for older people across the country.
Announcing the funding last week, Waterford Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler said that the announcement will see an additional €1.75 million provided to Meals on Wheels organisations who provided an estimated 2.4 million meals to over 54,000 people last year.
“Every day, older people with support needs are helped to live independently in their own homes through our community services, which include Day Centres, Meals on Wheels and home support services. Over many years, the Meals on Wheels services in Waterford and around the country has proved to be an important component of the community services offered to older people, particularly in rural communities,” Minister Butler said.
According to the Minister, the enhanced investment will allow for an expansion of the support service to more people this year.
“The Meals on Wheels service, located across the country, provide a significant connection and support to many older people in our communities by helping to maintain their health and independence through the provision of healthy meals. Many older people also benefit from the increased physical activity, cognitive stimulation, enhanced nutrition, healthcare monitoring, and social work support on offer at Day Centres, which also provide an important resource for carers," Minister Butler added.
“Every week I see the importance and value in our community supports in helping our older people in Waterford and across Ireland stay living at home independently and staying connected. Day Centres and Meals on Wheels are vital components of wraparound services that help people to stay in their communities and homes”.
SUPPORT FOR DAY CENTRES
€3.5 million has also been allocated to the Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) to support Day Centre services, benefitting up to 330 centres throughout the country
Day Centres are also a crucial part of the social care provision in our communities, providing invaluable support for people who may, for any number of reasons, be experiencing isolation and loneliness.
Concluding, Minister Butler said: “I am committed to working to develop these services to ensure they are available when needed across the country. I am conscious that many of these services are provided in partnership with voluntary groups who play a vital role in our communities, and I want to thank them for their important and tireless work”.