Dad, 84, ‘under awful stress’ as son’s care package set to end
Dad’s Daily Struggle as Son’s Support Ends
Alphie Lonergan, 84, has become the main caregiver for his two adult children, Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s, who face significant learning disabilities. The family resides in Loughgilly, a rural area of County Armagh, where Alphie has managed their care for years. Recently, the care hours provided by the Southern Health Trust were slashed, leaving the family in uncertainty as the final cut approaches.
Financial and Emotional Pressure
What began as a three-hour daily support package for both sons has been reduced to just one hour for Ronan since 2024. Donall now receives a single hour of assistance each day, primarily for getting up and dressed. Alphie, who remains the sole carer at home, described the strain: “Mentally, I’m under awful stress.” He credited his physical health for helping him endure the situation but admitted the emotional toll is immense.
“Thank God I’m in good shape, physically. Mentally I’m under awful, awful stress,” Alphie said, expressing concern about managing without further support.
The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the burden on the Lonergan family, offering an apology for the disruption. However, they cited staffing shortages as the reason for the cuts, particularly in rural regions. Despite efforts to collaborate with the family, solutions remain elusive, with no additional staff stepping in yet.
Challenges at Home
Alphie shared specific anecdotes about Donall’s routine, highlighting the meticulous nature of his morning preparations. Donall brushes his teeth three times and checks his laces six times before leaving the house. “You can’t lift a boy in his 40s out of bed and get him up on his feet who doesn’t want to do it,” Alphie noted, emphasizing the difficulty of waking him. The elder son often stays up late, preventing Alphie from getting proper rest.
“Donall doesn’t get up until the carer arrives,” Alphie added. “He’s very careful, he wouldn’t do any harm. But he walks about from room to room, closing doors. I’m aware of it, I can’t switch off.”
Although Alphie has help from his two daughters, the unpredictability of the situation has stretched their resources. “They have their own children, they’re trying to hold down their jobs, and I have to phone them: ‘Would you come down here, I’m stuck,'” he said, acknowledging the added pressure on them.
Pay Offer Leaves Care Workers Unaffected
In November, it was revealed that some social care staff would miss out on a pay offer aimed at preventing strikes in Northern Ireland. While the deal benefited doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff, homecare workers in the independent sector were excluded. This decision has raised concerns about funding and job retention, with Alphie’s situation serving as a stark example of the growing challenges in the system.
According to the 2021 Census in Northern Ireland, the demand for care services continues to rise, yet staffing shortages persist. The Southern Trust stated it is exploring options to keep the service running, including adjusting rota schedules and seeking support from other teams. However, the family remains on the edge of a potential crisis as the care package is set to end soon.
