Care for the elderly

Madam, – I refer to Jim McHale’s letter (August 13th) regarding Garda clearance for home carers.

Madam, – I refer to Jim McHale’s letter (August 13th) regarding Garda clearance for home carers.

Mr McHale is correct in stating that not all private home carers obtain Garda clearance and this is a matter for concern for older people.

I understand that last year the HSE approved, but did not implement, national home-care standards for home helps and homecare providers, which included Garda clearance.

If these national home-care standards were implemented older people would have more reassurance about the quality and background of carers coming into their home. – Yours, etc,

PERCY BOLAND,

Claremont Park,

Sandymount,

Dublin 4.