The reopening of day centres for older people is an important milestone for those who suffered such isolation – but the challenges they have faced are not yet over according to Tipperary SF TD Martin Browne.
Deputy Browne said: “The planned, gradual reopening of day centres for older people is an extremely welcome development. 101 day centres will reopen by the week of 5 July; more centres are expected to resume over the weeks of July and August. “We now need certainty that the physical and emotional needs that have built up since the onset of the pandemic are recognised and provided for.
The Cashel based TD said “It is therefore extremely important that the funding that will be made available to enable the adaptation of centres is accompanied by an increased availability of mental health staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and the other support workers our older people will need to address their mental and physical health needs. Deputy brown also called for a well-thought-out contingency plan to support our older people in case Covid variants mean further measures will have to be taken in the future”
