Shortage in housing adaption grants resulting in longer hospital stays – Scanlon

Fianna Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Eamon Scanlon TD, has said the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government should intervene as there is a shortage in housing aid grants for the elderly in Sligo County Council.

Deputy Scanlon has also called for the government to take on board the Housing (Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability) Bill 2018 which was introduce by Fianna Fáil. The Bill will introduce a four-week timeframe for decisions on Housing Adaptation grants.

Deputy Scanlon commented, “We are very much aware of the works that are needed to help and support elderly people in their homes. Those who apply for this type of grant have often suffered some medical event and are in hospital. They need to get out and, as colleagues know, everybody wants to live in their own home. We should be doing everything possible to allow people to return home.

“Despite the evidence that growing old in ones own home is beneficial we seem to be going the opposite way. The budget for the Housing Adaptation grant in Sligo County Council has been cut by €200k this year.

“Many people will be left in hospital because a grant is not available. In April 2019, the HSE confirmed that 620 patients are in hospitals because of delayed discharges. These are people who are medically fit and would be ready to go home if their homes were suitable. It is crucial that these grants are made available quickly because waiting for the outcome for two or three months holds up a bed in a hospital or somewhere else.

“There are some people who have not been able to receive grants for over 18 months due to a lack of funding. Only those in category one, the most urgent ranking, are considered. Most people are left waiting indefinitely. Serious changes are needed to support people who want to grow old in their own homes,” concluded Deputy Scanlon.