Boyle protest as service for elderly ends

THE GOVERNMENT has been accused of abandoning its elderly citizens as almost 200 people marched through Boyle, Co Roscommon, at the weekend to protest at the closure of daycare services at a local nursing home.

Many of those taking part in Saturday’s march were the elderly users of the service at the Plunkett Home who were joined by local families, politicians and business people.

Boyle parish priest Fr Gerry Hanley, who took part in the protest, said a “a lifeline” had been taken away for the 50 people who used it, many of whom lived alone and had no other social outlets.

“I think it is a shame to pick on the elderly, especially those who live alone, and I think the service should be continued,” Fr Hanley said.

He added that the closure would add to social isolation for those who had come to the centre for a meal and a chance to chat with friends, as well as for health services.

Mayor of Boyle councillor Jan Flanagan said people had been given one week’s notice before the service was taken away.

“They were told last week that due to a staffing crisis that it could not be safely run,” Ms Flanagan said. She added that the number of beds in the residential facility at the Plunkett Home had also been cut from 60 to 51.

Ms Flanagan said they were also there to highlight the failure to open the one-bed hospice suite at the Plunkett Home which had been built and officially opened six years ago. The suite, which cost the taxpayer €700,000, has never been used.

Local Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan, who raised the issue in the Dáil last week, said it was not acceptable that a recruitment embargo could result in such a cruel decision.

“The elderly people feel hurt and very let down,” he said. “They paid €4 every day and they came for a meal, and sometimes for a hair cut or for physiotherapy or a shower.”

He said people who had no voice had been betrayed.

Paddy Beirne (78), from Ardmore, Boyle, said he had been using the service for two years before it was shut down last week.

“It was open for five days but they cut it back to three,” he said.

“I used to have a meal there and have a bit of fun, maybe a game of cards or bingo.

“I will miss the company, to tell you the truth.”

Mr Beirne said he was luckier than many as he was able to drive, but others who were taken by bus to the Plunkett Home would now never leave their homes.

The Health Service Executive has said the decision would be reviewed in three months.

Áine Brady, the Minister of State with special responsibility for Older People, last week met a delegation which included Ms Flanagan in Boyle.

She told the Dáil that the HSE had to have appropriate staffing levels to run any service safely but would make every effort to restore the Boyle facility as quickly as possible.