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Homelessness and ill-health – A reminder of how services have changed or not since the 1970s and 1980s

Sir, – Inclusion Health has a dedicated team of a senior social worker, a clinical nurse specialist, a psychiatric nurse and case manager as described by Prof Clíona Ní Cheallaigh (“Homelessness leading to more ill-health, says expert”, News, July 3rd).

She noted that in 2015 – eight years ago – 10 per cent of those presenting at emergency departments were homeless.

Homelessness is complex and the story of the man referred to in the article would replicate the story of many people known to homeless services, this while acknowledging the uniqueness of every human being.

It was a reminder of how services have changed or not since the 1970s and 1980s. Then, hospital staff generally led by well-informed social workers, public health nurses, hospital doctors and nurses, community welfare officers (sadly no more) worked closely together with agencies working in the field of homelessness and, of course, there was less bureaucracy.

Yes, the drug situation was not as bad then and the numbers of people homeless was much lower. This situation too was helped by the availability of corporation flats, bedsits, and hostels and night shelters run by dedicated staff who provided a safe environment for those calling hostels home.

“The more things change, the more they remain the same.” – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

Link: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2023/07/10/homelessness-and-ill-health/

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The need for public showers

A degree of dignity for people whose living conditions are beyond description

Sir, – When the Alice Leahy Trust made a submission for public showers to Dublin City Council in 2006, it was covered by The Irish Times. We have highlighted the need for public showers and toilets at every opportunity since then, to no avail. No one could foresee at that time what was facing us. The war in Ukraine and increasing numbers of people arriving here seeking protection has led to a lot of people sleeping on our streets and in tents. This is at a time when we hear that vast sums of money remain unspent in some Government departments.

The hard work of our Government and the people of our country must be acknowledged.

The provision of well-run showers and toilets, not just in our capital city, would help to ensure some degree of dignity would be afforded to people whose living conditions are beyond description, and would help those who are struggling to care for them.

Surely it must be possible to divert some finance, even a small portion, to provide such a basic need? – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust ,

Dublin 8.

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Caring – we can do better

A time for reflection

Sir, – On New Year’s Day, the words from Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, broadcast on BBC television, “our care system is broken – it doesn’t have to be”, focused on caring for older people. His words were accompanied by film from a residential care setting, with elderly people looking so contented, being cared for lovingly by warm-hearted staff of many years. His elderly mother being cared for in the comfort of her own home summed up what is possible. The camera captured too the wrinkled faces and hands of lives long lived.

“Caring goes to the heart of what it means to be human,” he said. This is at a time in our own country when we are clearly seeing the result of decisions made far removed from the frontline, we could benefit from reflecting on his words.

At times one could be forgiven for thinking that those in the area of planning for the care of older people may have thrown the baby out with the bath water, based on what we see and hear on a daily basis.

We of course do have some great examples of caring, all requiring caring staff who are valued and adequately remunerated.

We owe it to older people to ensure they can live out their remaining years free from the worry of not being cared for and as a result feeling their lives were worthless.

We can only do something if we are prepared to acknowledge that we can do better, and yes we must.

The pending report from Archbishop Welby and his fellow Bishop of York will hopefully lead to a positive debate and outcome on an issue of great concern to us all, here and in the UK. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

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Trading personal stories for care

Sir, – Gráinne Conroy poses a very important question, ”Why must we trade personal stories for healthcare?” (Opinion & Analysis, November 8th).

This issue is not just confined to women and healthcare. It is widespread.

Telling one’s story in great detail has increasingly become essential for people who are homeless to access accommodation, even at a very basic level or to link in with other services.

No doubt some details are essential but the very private details of one’s life, very often their only possession, can be too painful to recall at a time when “ticking the box” seems to be so important.

This needs to be an issue all of us need to be acutely aware of. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.