THE GOVERNMENT’S decision not to publish a national strategy for carers, on the grounds that it cannot afford to fund any improvement in services, is a short-sighted response to issues that go far beyond the question of funding. Carers deserve to be recognised and supported for their tremendous contribution to society. Even if extra funding is not available at present, the administrative structures under which they operate could be modernised and a blueprint agreed for the development of these vital services when circumstances allow.
Just as careful economic planning is necessary to take full advantage of an international recovery in trade, a national strategy is also required to develop and improve services and supports for tens of thousands of carers in the home. In the absence of such a programme, the present fragmented and inchoate system will continue to make life extremely difficult for all concerned.
A special conference was to have debated aspects of the new strategy in Killarney this weekend. Promised in the programme for government, it was to have provided a framework of assistance for carers and their support groups. More flexible services, nursing supports, seven-days-a-week home help and an increase in the number of respite centres were all envisaged. But the Minister for Social Welfare, Mary Hanafin, said these improvements cannot be afforded and declined to publish the document.
Lack of political support is just one problem. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the system at local level and provides direct services or cash payments either directly or through local voluntary groups or agencies. But there is no national scheme; no automatic right to receive help; no guidelines on how admission to the scheme is decided or how income or means are assessed. Some HSE areas assess income on the basis of medical cards. Others don’t. Getting help may depend on where you live, the local population, and the personnel available to deliver services.
As might be expected, the HSE scheme is largely about saving money. It has been estimated that the country’s 160,000 carers save the exchequer about €2 billion a year by keeping their loved ones at home. It is hugely expensive to maintain an old person or a chronically unwell young person in long-term institutions. In those cases, it becomes “a priority” for the HSE to get them back into the community by providing the necessary support services. But, where needy people are already in the community there is no such priority. Carers and their loved ones deserve better from this Government.