dndndghndghMaypark House Nursing Home

Access to Care

  1. We undertake to co-operate with the Health Strategy for community services, which aspires to developing a macro type service.
  2. We acknowledge that with the ageing population of our country, the general socio-economic problems and the rising expectations about what the Health Services can and should provide.
  3. We undertake positive action to disperse the dark shadows clouding public perception of residential care for the elderly and the negative stereotyping of the elderly sick.
  4. We undertake to create an enlightened awareness and knowledge of the care the sick elderly need and receive in our Home.
  5. We consider that the state is the responsible body for co-ordinating and liaising care services and that Residential Care whether in terms of respite, temporary or permanent care are also an integral part of community services and must be respected as such.
  6. We consider that the independence and well being of the elderly is not merely a matter of health policy but concerns economic, housing and social needs.
  7. We propose that politicians and planners accept the principles outlined and set up effective strategies to put them into practice.
  8. We consider that “Key issues of Elder care” must be address by Health Care Professionals at the Department and HSE level when formulating a comprehensive strategy for old age.
  9. We consider that the progression from independent to dependent status should be a dignified transition without the need to assert entitlement to similar standards afforded to, and enjoyed by the independent neighbour.
  10. We acknowledge that neglect of the elderly is not a new concept and that there was no Golden Age status throughout history unless accompanies by useful contribution.
  11. We acknowledge that care of the elderly is still perceived nationally as a low esteem occupation by professionals in the field, and we attest that this form of Ageism is a result of the low priority given to the needs of the elderly in the past.
  12. We express the need for training policies for all personnel attending the elderly sick and that their job descriptions should be revised and improved with recognition of gerontology qualifications.
  13. We consider that elderly persons are entitled to be cared for in a social, medical and nursing care setting by competent staff trained in gerontology and the problems of old age and disability.
  14. We express the need for accredited training with registration for care workers, given the known  projected demographics.
  15. We have identified training needs for care workers in conjunction with labour law demands.  Formal training will equip care staff with skills and competence which will enable them to participate more fully in the workplace.
  16. We advocate that elderly people should be cared for by trained, skilled and competent staff.
  17. We acknowledge that care staff should be given the dignity of training with accreditation to suit their own personal needs and to fulfil the needs of the client group for whom they are serving.
  18. We advocate that a national register of accredited care workers be put in place.
  19. We believe that our Association should be given representation at HSE level
    so that our experience and expertise can be made directly available to future Gerontology policy making.
  20. We believe that the role of registered nursing homes in the provision of services for those in need of ongoing care should be explicitly recognised and supported positively by all statutory Health Authorities.
  21. We believe that all opportunities for co-operation between public, voluntary and private agencies should be actively pursued, in order to establish a coherent and effective service for the elderly.