Additional funding has be announced for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels community care services.
Laois TD Sean Fleming has urged seven Laois services to apply for a financial support scheme worth up to €25,000.
Eligible groups include: Alzheimer’s Society Ireland, Mountrath, Borris-In-Ossory Social Services, Durrow Community Services, Mountmellick Meals On Wheels (MOW), Co/St Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick MOW, Portarlington MOW and St Fiacc’s House, Graiguecullen.
The funding is designed to improve the premises for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services in County Laois.
This comes as part of an announcement from Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly who confirmed €10 million in additional funding for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels community care services nationwide.
The funding initiative ‘marks a significant step towards enhancing community-based services and supporting the well-being of individuals across the country age well in their own homes’ according to the Ministers for Health.
Nationally, Meals on Wheels provided approximately 2.7 million meals with the three groups in Laois contributing to this figure.
Funding for the Meals and Wheels organisations has doubled since 2022 as part of an initiative in which the government pledged to invest €730 million in home support services by the end of the year.
The government has claimed that it is a ‘priority’ to keep older people in their homes as long as possible, providing sufficient care and avoiding hospital and nursing home admissions where possible.
Sean Fleming has welcomed this much needed funding for these precious initiatives which provide essential care in Laois.
He said: “I am pleased that these Laois services are eligible to apply for this funding.
“This funding can go towards improving these services who may need upgrades to their facilities and will help these centres cater for the needs of people who avail of their services.
“Older person Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services are such a vital service for so many that rely on it.
“They offer a safe and welcoming environment where people can access these essential services as well as allowing people to engage in social activities.”
Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler said: “Living well at home doesn’t just mean receiving care in your home, it also means having somewhere to go during the week, where you can access essential services, while also catching up with old and new friends.
“These services that work on behalf of the HSE to provide day care in the community do phenomenal work that I am proud to be able to support, both in my own constituency and across the country.”
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