Councillor for North Belfast – and the Party’s North Belfast Assembly candidate – was speaking after attending a rally organised by UNISON at Stormont on Monday, adding the DUP’s lack of participation at the Assembly was adding to growing concerns.
Nuala McAllister said: “It is extremely disappointing to see the lack of DUP representation at the rally today – but it is hardly surprising considering the party has turned its back on the concerns of older people by leaving one of the most important Departments without a Minister.
“One of the care homes affected is Chestnut Grove on Somerton Road – an excellent facility offering great services for both permanent and temporary residents, however the residents have become extremely concerned about their future.
“What the Trust does not acknowledge is these statutory residential homes are not just health trust facilities, they are ‘homes,’ places where many elderly constituents permanently live. They have moved from their private home and set up their life within these places, we need to show compassion, and recognise that it is our duty to protect the vulnerable, and older persons living within our residential care homes are vulnerable.
“On behalf of Alliance I will continue to fight for the reversal of the closed door policy and to ensure that our older people are protected.