Government failing to care for older people, says Labour candidate

Shane Folan, Labour’s local election candidate for Donaghmede has condemned Government’s failure to prioritise the well-being of older people, highlighting the Government focus on the privatisation of long-term residential care and home care.

Folan said “this Government’s agenda for divestment over investment in long-term care is a blatant disregard for our older citizens. Older people deserve proper care, support, and the ability to live a happy, fulfilled life. They’re not a commodity to be traded. It’s time for a change in approach.”

“Government is ignoring the desires of people to age in their own homes, shown in countless. We urgently need Government to listen and champion policies that empower individuals to receive necessary support for independent living.”

Folan highlighted figures from the ESRI that found that 15 large private groups control 38% of nursing home beds in Ireland.

“The ESRI report concluded that it is vital, as the needs of an ageing population grow and evolve, that policies “harmonise financial incentives” for nursing home operators with residents’ needs. The Government must listen to this study and the older people who took part in it.”

“The State must prioritise the well-being of our older people. These individuals have contributed their entire lives to our society and deserve proper care as they age. Investing in our care workers is an investment in our community’s well-being

Folan said that while Government did promise a Commission on Care in the coalition agreement in 2020, it has only been implemented in recent weeks.

“It is disappointing that it has taken this long. Labour has called for the appointment and resourcing of a Commissioner for Older People and Aging to address the urgent needs of our older citizens,” he said.

“We need the State to invest in the well-being of our older people, prioritise their proper care, and recognise that supporting our care workers is an essential investment in our community’s overall health and prosperity.”