A support and advocacy service for vulnerable adults has expressed concern that the “hasty” withdrawal of home care supports for some people has put undue strain on families and may lead to instances of abuse.

A support and advocacy service for vulnerable adults has expressed concern that the “hasty” withdrawal of home care supports for some people has put undue strain on families and may lead to instances of abuse.
Executive Director of Sage Advocacy Mervyn Taylor said that the agency is getting a mixed picture from across the country, but it appears that there has been a drop of 20% in home care supports due to a re-prioritisation of staff and the need for some carers to self-isolate.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Taylor said that some people waiting up to a year in acute hospitals for home care were suddenly allowed to go home with supports to free up beds for the Covid-19 crisis.
He said that people have had home supports withdrawn and some are in difficult circumstances.
He said there is also evidence from some clients who say that their home care has improved since the Covid-19 crisis began.
However, others in the community have been left relying on a system of prioritisation, with cases where families were asked or decided to step in. 
The vast majority of people are supporting elderly parents out of a sense of duty, but he said in 10% to 20% of cases the vulnerable person can be taken advantage of.
He said that the family carer can have undue influence over the older person and can take advantage of being in control of their banking and other matters.
He said that sometimes where family members meant well and were being noble, they “perhaps over-promised and now are under-delivering” as the lockdown continues.