Age Action has urged the HSE to reverse, as a matter of priority, the decision to cease providing day care services at the Plunkett Home in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

“Proper day care services are essential if older people are to be supported to live independently in their own homes,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said. “With our ageing population we need to look at ways of providing more day care and community-based services, rather than closing them down.”

Day care services are essential for the well being of older people and should be given priority by the HSE when it comes to providing resources. “It is not acceptable that the services which are so important for about 50 older people in the Boyle area can be axed due to lack of rescources,” Mr Timmins said.

At a time when the Government is drawing up its National Positive Ageing Strategy, it is vital that it recognises the key role which day care centres play keeping older people well, and living in their own homes. “Proper investment in community care can help reduce the numbers of older people who may otherwise end up needing much more expensive residential care,” he said.