Press Release
Article Date :Monday 23rd January 2012
Let's call up our young people to care for our elderly
"The number of people over the age of 65 is growing by 20,000 every year and the numbers will more than double within the next 30 years to over one million people, with the largest proportional increase in the 85+ category" says Dr James O'Reilly, Minister of Health. At least a quarter of a million older people will need some kind of support. James O'Reilly has said that there will be no full time nursing home care available for most of them.
How are we going to care for these people and how are we going to pay for their care?
Friends of the Elderly has an answer - We are calling for the introducation of Community Service Hours for students and suitable people who are not fully employed.
Ireland has 240,000 people aged between 18 and 25. This age group contains the highest percentage of unemployed. Of this age group, those in third level education spend on average 10 hours a week at college - when all weekends and holidays are deducted. Let's train this generation to care for the elderly and allow them to be useful citizens and earn extra income as part time home care supports.
They can start by taking a FETAC recognised 5 day Practical Home Care Skills course at Friends of the Elderly Ireland. This course allows people to care for the non medical needs of the elderly who live alone. 60% of the home care needs are non medical .
Every elderly person who is cared for at home instead of full time nursing home care saves the State approximely 600 Euro a week, surely it makes sense to train our young people in Care for the Elderly and pay them as part time support to home care attendants?
Check Friends of the Elderly Ireland on Facebook for an update on our campaign to train a generation of young people to care for our elderly.
For more information contact Dermot Kirwan at Friends of the Elderly Ireland 01 8731855 or 087 7771448
News Archive
News Articles from 2012
News Articles from 2011
News Articles from 2010
News Articles from 2009
News Articles from 2008
News Articles from 2007
News Articles from 2006
Meet the EVS Volunteers
Our three EVS (European Voluntary Service) volunteers will dedicate one year of their lives to helping our older friends in Ireland. Learn more about EVS and brought our brilliant volunteers to Ireland!
LEARN MORE >>
Friends of the Elderly Secondary Schools Programme
The Friends of the Elderly Secondary Schools Programme gives students planned activities that allow them to engage with older people in their community in a meaningful way.
LEARN MORE >>
The Friendly Call Line
Friends of the Elderly student volunteers are reaching out to the elderly who lonely and isolated. If you know an elderly person who would like a weekly friendly call, please let us know. 01 8731855
LEARN MORE >>
