If you agree to take home from hospital a family member , a neighbor or friend in county Mayo at present that requires a Home Help package from the HSE to manage at home, be warned  - according to Castlebar based Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

He says the likely outcome is that the person/patient  will qualify for the package, but there will be no resources available to pay for it – so it does not happen.

Councillor Kilcoyne says hospital staff will assure you that the person/ patient in the hospital qualifies for a home care package to be discharged, and they will provide you with the appropriate application forms, and you submit the relevant details and your relative is likely to be told in this region at present, yes the person qualifies for a Home Care package, but unfortunately we have no funding at present to provide it.

Speaking to Midwest News today cllr Kilcoyne says he is aware of numerous examples of such cases.

Including a woman with dementia found wandering near her home by neighbours recently, another 87 year woman who’s son, temporarily moved home, applied for a home care package for his mother was told she qualifies but was then advised there is no money to resource the service.

The councillor says the situation is completely unacceptable.