Church to meet Poots over elderly care issues

The Presbyterian Church’s board of social witness is to meet Health Minister Edwin Poots to discuss pressing church concerns over the care of elderly people in the community.

Lindsay Conway, head of Presbyterian social witness, outlined church concerns at yesterday’s sitting of the General Assembly in Londonderry, stating that regrettably the matter of elderly care and proposed closure of publicly-run homes across the Province had become a “political football”.

Mr Conway said statements from various trust health boards had succeeded in creating a high level of anxiety within the elderly community and that of their families.

“Residential care is a vital option in the overall care of older people,” added Mr Conway, who said there was concern within his board that the Health Minister and civil servants were “manipulating” the facts and that residential care for the elderly was being “stigmatised”.

Mr Conway said the Presbyterian Church, which runs a number of care homes, acknowledges that a review of health services is necessary and that the proposed “Transforming Your Care” initiative by the Department of Health is a good framework document to both motivate and enable change within older peoples’ services.

Transforming Your Care is a far-reaching programme, impacting on all ages and all services provided by health and social services, he said.

In a letter to Minister Poots, the Presbyterian Church said that care at home must be resourced and that accommodation must be suitable for a “Home Care” package.

“We reminded the minister that the Presbyterian Church has a long history in offering services to older people. Mr Poots has halted the current process of closure and has apologised for any hurt or offence that may have been taken following the statement announcing the proposed closures.

“A recent ‘Transforming your Care’ update outlined the way forward for a further consultation, a process that will include the voluntary and community sector. It proposes the formation of integration care partnerships.

“The minister’s office has replied and Mr Poots has agreed to visit our work and discuss the issues. Our church has been commended for speaking out and speaking as it is. We all want what is best for those who are vulnerable, for the biggest fear of older people is loneliness.”