Policy review for care of the aged
The Minister said policy remains based largely on the 1968 committee report and is continually reviewed. A discussion document on accommodation needs was nearing completion, while the broader approach was being assessed for deficiencies and improvements.
asked the Minister for Health if a policy for the aged in Ireland has yet been prepared.
Comment on this
The current policy in relation to care of the aged is mainly based on the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Care of the Aged published in 1968.
The policy has, of course, been kept under review in line with changing needs and expectations. My Department are just completing a review of our approach to meeting accommodation needs for the aged. This has been done in co-operation with the Department of the Environment and a discussion document will be circulated shortly to health boards and local authorities.
My Department are at present considering a review of the whole range of services for the elderly in the light of today's circumstances. This review will pay particular attention to preventing illness and promoting health among the elderly. It will also look at how we can best ensure a unified approach in both planning and delivery of services. While this overall review is taking place health boards will be requested to conduct local studies and prepare integrated programmes which would take account of the particular needs in their own areas. A variety of approaches will be encouraged.
I anticipate that the review will confirm the central role of the voluntary organisations in the planning and provision of community services for the aged. Social service councils and similar local committees are the channel for the voluntary element without which no service can be rightly described as a community service.
Comment on this
Would the Minister agree that the document to which he refers which was issued in 1968 is very much outdated and has been overtaken by events? How long will it take for this review to be completed, and when is it envisaged that some form of policy in relation to the aged can be put into action?
Comment on this
I suggest that we have a continuing policy for the aged and it is a fairly comprehensive policy. There are certainly deficiencies in it but the approach is to continue to improve it all the time. What is involved in the review is not so much a question of bringing forward a totally new service, but really seeing what deficiencies time and changing circumstances have brought about in the existing services and how these can be improved.