Stagg calls for additional home care packages for dementia sufferers in budget 2017

Having attended the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission launch, Labour Spokesperson for Older People Emmet Stagg has called for support for the Society’s request for an increased allocation of €67m in the 2017 Budget to provide additional Home Care Packages for citizens suffering from dementia.

Emmet Stagg said: “There are now some 55,000 people with dementia in Ireland and in virtually all cases, the best outcome is that they are provided with the resources to stay in their own homes, with their families and in their own community.

“The emphasis on funding should first and foremost be on the provision of home care packages, while long-term residential care should only be considered when it is the only option.

“I want to support the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in their demand that funding be provided for Home Care for 10% of dementia sufferers who live in the community in 2017 and I am calling on the Government to address this issue in the Budget.

“I will be raising this matter with the Labour Party Spokesperson on Health Deputy Alan Kelly to have it pursued in the Dail ahead of the 2017 Budget.

“The right of people to stay in their own home where they desire to be should be resourced and will also prove to be more cost efficient in providing the necessary care”.

ENDS

Contact Emmet Stagg 087-6728555