Councillor raises elderly care issues

Following a presentation to the Council’s Planning Committee by Dr John McPeake, Chief Executive, and senior officers of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Councillor Brian Dornan raised issues about support provided to elderly people living in supported housing schemes.

He pointed out that “housing support for older people is more variable than for other groups of residents”.

“Often practical support with the tasks of daily living is the key to success. I would encourage the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to reward housing associations which provide good levels of support and make great efforts to avoid their residents having to give up their homes to move into care homes.

“Often practical support with the tasks of daily living is the key to success,” added Mr Dornan.

During the presentation it was revealed that this year the Housing Executive will invest almost £2.3 million to help the most vulnerable people in Lisburn to continue to live independently.

The council also heard that existing funding delivers 41 sheltered and supported housing accommodation based schemes in the Lisburn area.

Dr McPeake said that he would communicate this issue raised by Councillor Dornan back to his Board. He gave assurance that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive would be taking steps to encourage best practice among housing associations.

Councillor Dornan later said that he was greatly encouraged by Dr McPeake’s response.