Services are being provided to support older people to live well at home and reduce the requirement for long-term residential care.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Older Persons Services is dedicated to providing equal access to integrated services for older adults, helping them stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Home support for older people

A wide range of services are provided including home support, day care and additional community support to assist with managing care at local level and support transition from hospitals back to the community.

Shona Rusk, Manager of Services for Older Persons in Dublin North City and West, along with her team, plays a key role in supporting our local acute hospital colleagues in managing patient flow.

Rusk advises: “Established discharge pathways and excellent working relationships between Older Persons Services and the acute hospitals ensure there are no untimely delays in discharging patients. Home support in our catchment area is provided by over 30 agencies currently approved under a National Tender Arrangement, which supports our older persons’ timely discharge back to their home environment.”

Home monitoring pilot programme

The Older Persons Services has successfully piloted a new initiative called ‘Discharge to Assess’ (D2A) across three of its network areas (Cabra, Ballymun and North Inner City) in partnership with the Mater Hospital. “D2A is an alternative discharge pathway where a patient is assessed in their own home for support, resulting in a more person-centred allocation,” explains Rusk.

“We have a dedicated team of carers that provides and monitors the older person’s care needs at home for an initial period of time. They support the older person in their transition to their permanent home care provider. We hope to expand D2A to the remaining Community Healthcare Network areas and Connolly Hospital over the coming winter.” Rusk also coordinates the provision of Day Care Services, Meals on Wheels and Respite services to support older people, their families and carers in the local area.

Long-term care placement review

When community support is no longer sufficient to enable older persons to remain at home, there may be a requirement for long-term residential care. Rusk chairs the Local Placement Forum, which reviews applications for long-term residential care. The purpose of the forum is to determine if the care needs of applicants can only be met in a residential setting. The forum has representatives from both community and acute hospital settings. The number of older people in our community continues to grow with ever-increasing demands for services. 

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The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme supports older people to remain in their homes where possible, prevents unnecessary hospital admissions and avoids early admission to residential care.

As the Minister for Mental Health and Older People and the daughter of an older but independent mother in her 80s, I am proud to have supported the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme from its pilot phase in 2021. This programme is a demonstration of this Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive care for older people.

Comprehensive support for older people

In 2019, Ireland was the first country to receive Age Friendly status by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is a testament to the social care model provided in Ireland to support older people. The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, funded by Sláintecare in my Department, supplements this approach and was recognised again by the WHO as a best practice example of integrated care for older people. It positively impacts their health status, quality of life and functional ability.

We aim to enable older people to age well at home. The voices and choices of older people must be recognised, and the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme is a key initiative under our Sláintecare reform programme to help us achieve this.

This Government’s investment in older
persons services has seen a 30%
increase in funding since 2020.

Investment in health and social care

This Government’s investment in older persons services has seen a 30% increase in funding since 2020, reaching over €2.6 billion in 2024. This year, over 320 day centres are operating across the country, plus 53 dementia-specific day centres. Additionally, over 22 million hours of home support will be provided, and 3 million Meals On Wheels (MoW) will be delivered. MoW is more than a nutritious meal; it’s a social connection, knowing that someone will call to your home.

My department is implementing health reforms to ensure safe, timely and efficient care for everyone. We have established six HSE Health Regions to provide health and social care services. Despite progress made, challenges lie ahead. We are exploring new models of care and the principles of universal design for infrastructural development. The Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme is a strategic response.

I am grateful to all contributors to this programme, including the older people who participated in the pilot. I am pleased the programme is moving forward nationwide at pace. The success of the programme lies with the coordinators who devise and manage a support package for each person referred to the scheme — a person-centred approach.

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder. It is the second most common neurological condition, after Alzheimer’s, but it is the fastest-growing neurological condition globally.¹

In Ireland, it is estimated that 18,000 people are living with PD. It is variable in its progression, meaning some people progress slower than others, and the symptoms can be effectively controlled with medication for many years.

Role of dopamine in Parkinson’s disease

PD is caused by a loss of a chemical called dopamine. We all lose some of this chemical as we get older. However, people with Parkinson’s lose this chemical at a faster rate than others. It is estimated that by the time symptoms are noticed, about 70% of dopamine has been lost.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of Parkinson’s is still not fully known. Current research suggests that genetic factors and environmental factors, such as the use of pesticides, may play a role in some of those affected.

Dopamine is a chemical responsible for
smooth movement and motor control.

Recognising the symptoms of Parkinson’s

Dopamine is a chemical responsible for smooth movement and motor control. As a result, widely recognised symptoms include tremors, which 70% of people experience, along with slowness in movement and issues with gait and mobility.

However, dopamine also plays a role in many other aspects, which, for many people with Parkinson’s, are the more troublesome and hidden symptoms. These may include issues with sleep; psychological symptoms (including anxiety and apathy); cognition changes, such as difficulty concentrating and multi-tasking; and bowel symptoms, such as constipation.

Raising awareness and supporting the community

From this arose our awareness campaign at Parkinson’s Ireland. The theme of the campaign stemmed from the awareness priorities identified by people with Parkinson’s, their families and care partners in a member survey and through the issues that were being brought to us on our support line.

We launched our first major awareness campaign, ‘Different for Everyone’, in April 2024 to represent and recognise the many symptoms that come with PD and how each individual experience with it is different.

Why awareness and education are important

To improve the wellbeing of someone with PD as they age, they must be aware of the many symptoms that come with PD and what can impact them. It is also important for care partners, loved ones and health professionals to be aware of the 40+ symptoms and how they can manifest themselves differently as the disease progresses.

Parkinson’s Ireland provides education to encourage self-management of the condition, helping people live well with Parkinson’s and supporting them throughout their journey.

[1] Dorsey ER, Sherer T, Okun MS, Bloem BR. The Emerging Evidence of the Parkinson Pandemic. J Parkinsons Dis. 2018;8(s1):S3-S8.

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Studies reveal a significant connection between hearing and cognitive health, suggesting good hearing supports healthy brain function. Take a proactive approach to your hearing care. Schedule a free hearing check today.

Many of us include regular visits to the dentist or opticians in our health agenda, but when was the last time you went for a hearing check?

Hearing loss linked to dementia risk

Dr Sabina Brennan, Scientific Representative at Hidden Hearing, says: “Age-related hearing loss is recognised as a major modifiable risk factor for dementia.” So, as we age, safeguarding hearing through early intervention and prevention is increasingly crucial.

Around 58% of men and 54% of women aged 75 and over in Ireland experience hearing loss. Yet, only 25% of adults are aware of the link between hearing loss and dementia.

Often, when we suffer from hearing loss our brains have to work harder to decipher sounds, leading to stress and mental fatigue.

Hearing interventions delay cognitive decline

A recent study suggests that the wearing of hearing aids may delay cognitive change in older adults who would otherwise be at increased risk of decline over three years. This further highlights the link between hearing loss and dementia. A third of adults over 65 have moderate hearing loss. However, age-related hearing loss is associated with an up to 40% faster rate of cognitive decline and reduced brain volume.

Book annual hearing tests

Addressing hearing loss with interventions like hearing aids and regular hearing assessments could counteract these effects and help maintain overall cognitive health. “Go headphone-free more often. Steer clear of loudspeakers and avoid exposure to loud noises or music. Get your hearing checked annually, and wear hearing aids if prescribed,” insists Dr Brennan.

Incorporating an annual hearing check into your health regime is a proactive prevention measure that will protect your hearing, reduce dementia risk and enhance your quality of life. Don’t wait until it’s too late — schedule your annual hearing check today, and protect your brain health.

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In Ireland, approximately 64,000 people are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form among the over 200 types of dementia.

Dementia is a physical illness characterised by damage to brain cells, affecting memory, cognition, communication and daily functioning.

Services designed for people with dementia

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be an isolating experience, often leaving individuals and their families unsure of where to seek help. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) provides an array of services to support those living with dementia and their caregivers. These services includedaycare, daycare at home, dementia adviser services, cafes, support clubs, mobile information services, family carer training, social clubs and a national helpline.

National helpline for dementia

The ASI’s National Helpline is a confidential service offering information and support to people with dementia, their families, carers, individuals concerned about memory issues and professionals in the field. The Freephone number is available to callers within the Republic of Ireland and can be reached at 1800 341 341. The helpline operates Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

The helpline aims to provide accurate, current, accessible and relevant information as well as emotional support. It has achieved a quality standard from Helplines Partnership for the second time, underscoring its commitment to high-quality service delivery. Helpline advisers and trained volunteers can offer confidential advice on:

• Information about dementia and memory loss
• Different causes of dementia
• How a diagnosis is made
• Accessing services and supports
• Practical tips for daily living
• Legal and financial matters
• Emotional support and more

Online live chat service

For those who prefer online communication, a confidential live chat service is available at alzheimer.ie. The live chat operates Monday to Friday from 10 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 5 pm, as well as Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm.

This service provides the same level of support and information as the National Helpline, ensuring that help is accessible in a format that suits different needs. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland stands as a beacon of support and information for those navigating the challenges of dementia, offering vital resources to enhance quality of life and provide guidance through the journey.

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