€66 million for home supports

The funding will support local services this year.

Over €66 million has been allocated to home support services in the local Community Healthcare area.

Funding for 2,303,480 hours, totalling €66.6 million, has been made available across the counties of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo by the HSE.

4,310 people will avail of Home Support Hours this year across the five counties.

The HSE Home Support Service (formerly called the Home Help Service or Home Care Package Scheme) aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to support informal carers.

The Home Support Service provides you with support for everyday tasks including, getting in and out of bed, dressing and undressing and personal care such as showering and shaving.

The Home Support Service is available to people aged 65 or over who may need support to continue living at home or to return home following a hospital stay.

Exceptions are sometimes made for people younger than 65 who may need support, including people with early onset dementia or a disability.

Frank Morrison, Head of Service, Older Persons, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said “It is wonderful to see the number of increased Home Support hours maintained. The €66,659,782 allocation for the area represents funding of €16.838m in Cavan / Monaghan benefitting 1,245 people, over €29.72 million in Donegal benefitting 1,685 people and over €20.1 million in Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan where 1,380 people will avail of the service.”

For more information on Home Care Support go to www.hse.ie