Kilmainhamwood elderly care centre fears over funding cut

A HSE proposal to slash funding to the Kilmainhamwood Day Care Centre by a massive 25 per cent has caused consternation to the 100 or so elderly people who use the centre and their families. The cut will mean a drastic reduction in services and has been described as a 'catastrophe' for the area. Worried elderly people and their families are concerned as to the consequences of the cut in funding to the services, which many described as being 'an essential lifeline.' Manager of the centre, Fiona Keoghan, said there was a lot of worry among the people who use the centre and their families. She said the cut would mean a serious reduction in the services they could provide and may involve reduced hours. "A lot of new people came to live here in Kilmainhamwood in recent years and some of the people who use our services here don't have family in the area and depend on us," she said. She also pointed out that the centre provides family members with an important respite break. Ms Keoghan said that the people working there were also concerned as they loved their jobs and were concerned for their elderly clients. Around 100 people attend the centre and range in age from 60 to 95. They can avail of chiropody services, showers, have their hair done and see a nurse, as well as enjoying social activities. A bus brings clients from areas like Drumconrath, Meath Hill, Nobber, Kilmainhamwood, Tierworker, Kilbeg and Newcastle. One woman whose wheelchair bound husband attends the centre is devastated at the prospect of a cut in the service. "It is brilliant for both of us. He is in a wheelchair, so it gets him out of the house and he gets to meet and talk to other people." "We live in a rural area and it is great for me as well. He goes to the centre every Tuesday and every second Thursday and it means I can get out of the house for a while, maybe go shopping or get my hair done. "It is very difficult caring for someone. When he is at home, I cannot go anywhere as I cannot leave him and it can be very depressing," she said. "I look forward to the few hours for myself I hope to god they don't have to cut back our hours. They are doing a brilliant job and it would shocking to have to do without it," she said. Cllr John Farrelly PRO for the Kilmainhamwood Area Development Association, who run the centre, described the funding cuts as a catastrophe. He said it was only costing the HSE less than €1000 per person per year. "I believe that we save the state far more in hospital expenses," he said. "The old and sick are soft targets for the government who should be ashamed of themselves," he said. "Some people who attend the centre would never see anyone all day expect the postman. It is very important to the people who use it and gives families a break for a while." He has requested a meeting with the HSE to see if they can resolve the crisis. The HSE confirmed it had received a request to meet with a representative on behalf of KADA to discuss funding and was currently awaiting agreement of a suitable date to meet.