Navan Day Care Services for the elderly to reopen at the end of the month

The Navan Day Care Service for the elderly which is based at Walterstown Football Club is due to reopen on 31st January having been closed since before Christmas.

The closure had been met with huge disappointment with the elderly people who used the service, while Cllr Emer Toibin had called for its reopening, claiming its closure was causing anxiety and isolation for users.

She said she was really disappointed to see that yet again vital day care services for elderly people had been closed down.

"Back in November 2021 after being closed for a full 18 months, this heavily subscribed day care centre reopened. The level of joy, excitement and pure relief amongst the people who attend it was a delight to behold according to staff that work there.

"We all know how the elderly across this country have endured terrible hardship and heightened levels of anxiety and isolation for over nearly two years. Not seeing their children or grandchildren for months on end. Missing their neighbours and all social engagement to the extent that many will never, tragically, regain the confidence to get back out there.

"We really can not estimate the level of damage done to this cohort due to restrictions. Everyone of these men and women are vaccinated and boosted. They or their family have the where-with-all to decide for themselves whether it is safe to attend these day care services or not. They can assess the risk and make their own decision. Some may decide they feel more comfortable to stay at home, and that is their choice. "

A spokesperson for the HSE said Navan Day Centre reopened in October 2022 following the completion of some minor Infection Prevention and Control measures.

"Clients were attending the Day centre up to Christmas 2021.

Following the Christmas break, and taking account of the very high levels of Covid 19 in the community along with the stepping down of services to support Community Nursing Units, Home Support Services, vaccination centres and testing centres, it was decided that Older Person Day Services would not reopen until the levels of Covid 19 reduced in the community.

"It is now intended to reopen the Day Service from 31st January 2022," he said.