A conference in Co Mayo has heard calls for a new approach when it comes to accommodating and caring for the country's increasing older population.
'Mayo Social' is an initiative of the county council, the HSE, advocacy groups and others, set up to look at the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society.
One of its key aims is a move away from a nursing home care model to a less institutionalised, more community centred approach.
Delegates have been told how housing design can take better cognisance of the needs of older citizens, by ensuring services and supports are available in a community setting.
The idea is that, in turn, other community resources and housing would be placed alongside these developments, to bring about an intergenerational neighbourhood.
"The key determinant for social wellbeing is contact with family, friends and neighbours," said Mark Mellett, the Chair of Sage Advocacy, a charity that acts on behalf of older people who want to remain at home.
"Care of older people tends to be more institutionalised into nursing homes, whereas what we see here is the creation of smart, sustainable and intergenerational communities, to create a powerful resource that allows older people to thrive and the reciprocity of their knowledge over decades being shared with others," he added.
Mayo initiative looks at opportunities for older population
The former chief of staff of the Defence Forces said the collaborative nature of the initiative has the potential to yield significant results, as different views and requirements are factored in to the entire approach.
Dr Ann Coyle, a former planner with the HSE, said the focus is "on having a good life, rather than just being cared for".
"We owe it to young people to support them and use our wisdom and our knowledge to do that. We have drifted a lot from the social cohesion that we once took for granted. We have to now build that back, in an intentional way," she said.
Demographic shifts mean the number of people aged over the age of 65 will greatly increase in the next two decades, according to Deirdre Waldron, Manager of Castlebar Social Services.
She said dedicated developments that allow for independent living, while also providing the necessary supports, are crucial.
Ms Waldron cited the example of St Brendan’s Village, in Mulranny, Co Mayo, where a number of different services and community focal points have evolved beside units for older people.
Dr Jerry Cowley, who was involved in the establishment of the village almost 30 years ago, said it now has "the full monty".
Dr Cowley said: "We have people supported at home by a day centre, our meals on wheels… we have sheltered housing, with a continuum of support, and then we have high-support.
"So the guarantee at St Brendan’s is no matter how old or disabled you are, you can stay in your own area. And that’s what people want."
Des Mulligan, Head of Service for Older People in the HSE West area, said that many of the things that allow people remain in their own communities are outside the realm of health and social care services.
Instead, he said, it’s things like transport, services and access that matter.
"We have an opportunity here to turn things on their head," he said, referencing what he said are "clear commitments from Government to examine the evidence" provided by Mayo Social.
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