'Unacceptable delays' in getting home support
The HSE and Minister for Health are being called upon to train and recruit homecare workers to fulfil delays in providing care. The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Cavan County Council.
"It is very regrettable that, when home support is approved, there are often unacceptable delays in getting that support actually put in place for the patient," said Cllr Áine Smith (FF), who proposed the motion.
She asked that the council write to the HSE and the Minister for Health asking for a "clear" ongoing training and recruitment process for homecare workers, to ensure that "as many as possible" are recruited and that there are "sufficient staff" for this "important" element of the health service.
Cllr Smith described how homecare "enables many people to remain in their own homes" and not have them "in some instances" go into nursing homes. She pointed out the "some years ago" there were "delays" in getting the support in place for patients due to a "lack" of funding.
"Fortunately, there has been a big increase in the level of funding provided for this service but delays now occur in providing the home care due to lack of homecare workers," she outlined.
Cllr Smith said it is "clear" that "more workers" are needed for the role. With the population "growing older" she called for "proper planning" to ensure sufficient people are trained within the healthcare sector.
She suggested it would be "practical" for the HSE and the Department of Further and Higher Education to put in place "suitable courses" to have people trained in these skills.
"There should be far more direct recruitment by the HSE in filling these important positions," argued Cllr Smith.
She said she is aware of "many people" who value "very highly" the home support provided to them or their loved ones.
"I know many of their health care workers are extremely committed to their work in providing the best possible level of care to their patients," she praised, adding that remaining in their home as long as possible is the "strong desire" for the "vast majority" of people.
Cllr Patricia Walsh (FF) gave her support to the motion.
"Elderly people, they like to stay at home for as long as possible," she agreed, adding "that's where they reared their family".
As somebody who provided home support in the past, Cllr Walsh said "it makes a big difference".
She also pointed out that "our nursing homes in the county have excellent reputations".
Meanwhile Cllr John Paul Feely (FF) said that the issue is "getting people to cover" when home support workers take leave.
"There's nobody to take over for them," he pointed out.
"It's the issue of getting people to take on the work, it's not easy work," he described.
Cllr Carmel Brady (FG) said that a lot of staff are "moving" to work in the HSE or nursing homes.
Her party colleague, Cllr Trevor Smith supported the motion, as did Cllr T.P. O'Reilly.
"I think if we do pay a little bit more, then we will get people to take on the role," he suggested.
"We definitely need to look at a way to keep our elderly at home," he continued, pointing out that it is an "onus on us all".
Cllr Winston Bennett (FG) asked: "Is it worth bringing someone in here to discuss the matter?"
Meanwhile Cllr Shane P O'Reilly said "this all comes down to money".
"These people are treated like slaves," he fumed.
"They won't pay them to do it," he added, adding that people are "down money" by doing the job.
He said the elderly people are the ones who "built our country".
"We are neglecting those who are vulnerable in our society," he added.
"Those who built this country are those who should be looked after first," concluded Cllr O'Reilly.