Should be no further delay to reinstating full day centre and respite care for carers, says Armstrong

There should be no further delay to reinstating full day centre and respite care for carers, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said.

Throughout the pandemic, social distancing rules have limited the amount of day centre provision for people with disabilities and older people. However, with some restrictions easing, Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong said now was the time to return to pre-COVID services where possible.

“Carers are exhausted. They have been let down far too often during the pandemic,” she said.

“From the promised COVID payments not materialising and the Health Minister U-turning on his pledge over them, to limited reopening of services, they are past breaking point. It is time the day centres and respite provision were fully reopened.

“Health Trusts should now be able to provide a pre-COVID level of care for people with disabilities and older people. They and their exhausted carers deserve a break. With the change in social distancing rules for some sectors, the barriers preventing the return to services where possible are being removed. Carers now need our help.”