Waiting list for Home Help services in Meath unacceptably high – Peadar Tóibín

There are 164 people waiting on homrecare packages in Meath - a figure described as "unacceptably high" by Deputy Peadar Toibin.

Following a Dail question Deputy Toibin was informed that 164 elderly or disabled people are waiting on packages in the county.

This compares with nine on the waiting list  for Westmeath/Longford, none in Louth and 253 in Cavan/Monaghan.

“Home support services such as home care packages and home help hours are some of the most important services the HSE provide. Not only do they allow for older people to stay in their homes, but they are also incredibly important for those with ailments or disabilities.  

 “Unfortunately, this government, with the support of Fianna Fáil, has taken the decision to underfund the service to the point that there are 6,238  people waiting for a home support service across the State – a figure which is rising every year.

“The situation in Meath, is equally worrying with 164 people on waiting lists for home support according to the latest figures.

“Getting older or having a disability should not leave you invisible to the State. The State must ensure that older people and those who have a disability can live at home with respect, with dignity, and as comfortably as possible. 

“We need to make sure our older people and those with disabilities who need home support are cared for with the dignity and respect they deserve, and to do that we need to ensure that home support services are given necessary funding,” he said.