New Report from Pobal Highlights Important Role Community Services Play in Supporting Independent Living Nationwide

Minister Jerry Buttimer joins organisations to mark International Day of Older Persons and launch new research report

• Organisations funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht – Community Services Programme (CSP) are supporting older people to remain living in their own homes for longer.
• Report finds that Community Services Programme funded organisations enable older people to remain active participants in their local communities.

Jerry Buttimer T.D. Minister of State with responsibility for Communities, Charities, and Transport, at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, launched a new report by Pobal on ‘Services for Older People – Supporting Independent Living’.

The Community Services Programme (CSP) is an inclusion, employment, and enterprise programme funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). The programme has been in operation since 2006 and has supported hundreds of local and community organisations and social enterprises across Ireland.

The Community Services Programme supports organisations to provide a range of different supports for older people through the provision of various services and initiatives. These services include, home maintenance and repairs, meals services such as ‘Meals on Wheels’ and accessible transport, as well as visiting and befriending, laundry, social events and day centres.

The report collected qualitative data, drawn from a focus groups and interviews. The resulting case studies demonstrate the important space occupied by the services supported by the Community Services Programme within the community. These case studies tell the stories of this work, enabling older people to live fuller, connected lives within their communities and remain living in their homes for longer.

Launching the report, Minister Buttimer said:

“I am very pleased to launch this report which shines a light on the significant role that the Community Services Programme is playing in assisting older people to stay living independently and continue to actively participate in society.

I am delighted to see that the Community Services Programme, funded by my department, is enabling local social enterprises and community organisations to offer holistic and tailored services that are so much more than just providing meals or repairs. They ensure that older people stay connected with others, build relationships, and remain engaged in their community.”

Anna Shakespeare, Pobal CEO; Minister of State with responsibility for Communities, Charities, and Transport, at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer T.D.; Aoife Ruth, Monitoring, Report Author, Pobal.

Speaking at the report launch, Anna Shakespeare, Pobal CEO said:

“International Day of Older Persons on October 1 reminds us of the critical need to create a society where older people are empowered to live with dignity and have control over their own lives.

The demographics of Ireland are changing, with the over-65 population growing by 40% in just one decade.  Nursing homes should not be the only option for older people, there needs to be greater focus on those organisations that support older people to live independently in their homes and in their communities, with dignity and independence.

This report by Pobal provides timely insights into how some of the Community Services Programme funded organisations are playing an active role in providing person-centred, community-based supports to older people. Not just caring for their immediate needs but being that vital link between the older person and the other services they might need, such as the Public Health Nurse or the Seniors Alert Scheme.

I would like to sincerely thank the Community Service Programme funded services who contributed to this report and shared their knowledge, insights and experiences.”

The launch took place at a Community Services Programme Peer-Led Event on Older People’s Services in Longford town. The event celebrated the power of community, connection, and inclusion, while showcasing the vital work Community Services Programme funded organisations do in supporting older people across Ireland. 

The event featured presentations and input from ALONE and TILDA (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing) as well as information on the Seniors Alert Scheme, and a Q&A session about the Community Services Programme for participants. It was also an opportunity for the Community Services Programme funded organisations who provide services to older people to share information and learning with their peers.

The report can be downloaded from the Pobal website at this link.