A Killaloe couple has spoken of the immense difficulties they’re facing in securing respite care for their adult son who experiences a “complete and utter meltdown” on a daily basis.
Graham and Triona Tuohy’s son was previously cared for by child services but since he became an adult, his parents have found themselves unable to find a service willing to accept him.
20-year- old Jamie Tuohy suffers from cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, incontinent, epileptic, uses a wheelchair and in his parents’ words, “really can’t do anything for himself”.
His parents say that child services provided him with constant care and a sense of community throughout his youth, but since turning 18, this has been taken away, with no replacement on the horizon.
In addition, Jamie’s frequently erratic and violent behaviour is allegedly reducing his family’s quality of life.
Graham Tuohy, who works as a retained firefighter, admits they are constantly “on guard” due to their son’s volatility.
Respite care provides short-term relief for primary care-givers so that they can get rest, have a social life or focus on their work.
Despite attempts by Graham and Triona to secure care of this nature for their son, they’ve hit brick walls on several occasions due to “concerns” raised by caregivers in relation to Jamie’s violent behaviour.
Part-time creche worker Triona Tuohy believes respite care agencies shouldn’t be turning people down based on their behaviour as dealing with hostility should be part of their training.
In a statement to Clare FM, the HSE says that “HSE Adult Case Managers are available and do meet with clients and their families to identify their needs and the available supports including respite both residential, outreach, in-home supports and full-time residential care to meet these needs”.
The statement also says that “HSE Mid West Community Healthcare funds over 100 day service centres in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary supporting approximately 1,500 adults
You can listen to the full interview below.
Statement from HSE Midwest Community Healthcare
The HSE is unable to comment on individual cases due to our ethical and legal obligations to protect the privacy of all patients and service users.
However, we can advise that the transition of a service user from children services to adult services when the child comes of age can result in reduced availability of residential respite for those 18 years of age. The HSE acknowledges that there are challenges in the provision of adult respite.
Each individual is assessed with regards to their needs. HSE Adult Case Managers are available and do meet with clients and their families to identify their needs and the available supports including respite both residential, outreach, in-home supports and full-time residential care to meet these needs. The provision of service is determined by the capacity of the health service to meet these needs and the availability of resources within the Mid West. The HSE also looks to provide alternative options through Home Share, Outreach and in-home supports.
As children transition from school, the option of day opportunities is available for young adults. HSE Mid West Community Healthcare funds over 100 day service centres in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary supporting approximately 1,500 adults.
In 2023, additional residential respite capacity was opened in Clare through Rehabcare services in Carrowgar, based in Clarecastle. We are currently supporting Brothers of Charity Services, Clare to open an additional residential respite house in 2024 which will support both children and adults. We are also working further service development opportunities with another provider to support young adults and their families transitioning from children services to adult community support services.
