Mr McCarthy was speaking after Health Minister Simon Hamilton announced a package worth £1.6 million for care and nursing homes, as well as the domiciliary care sector.
Mr McCarthy said while he welcomed the move, more still needed to be done to address the issues facing the care sector, particularly domiciliary care.
“I raised the need for more funding to help the domiciliary care sector in particular many times at the Health Committee, especially as the introduction of the living wage approaches in April. I have also spoken privately with care providers, who confirmed the situation was dire.
“Unless this funding was made available, more closures were inevitable, leading to a situation were more statutory care homes would have had to be provided.
“I would encourage the Minister to investigate the possibility of further funding for the care sector, so it can be made more sustainable and older people are given the appropriate care they deserve.”