Dad, 84, ‘under awful stress’ as son’s care package set to end

Dad, 84, ‘under awful stress’ as son’s care package set to end

Alphie Lonergan, a 84-year-old resident of Loughgilly in rural County Armagh, is the main caregiver for his two adult children, Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s. The pair have severe learning disabilities and rely on their father for daily support. Originally, the family received a three-hour care package from their local health trust, but this has been significantly reduced. By 2024, the time allocated for Ronan’s care dropped to just one hour, and the service is now scheduled to conclude entirely on Friday.

“I’m grateful I’m still in good physical health, but mentally, I’m under immense pressure,” Alphie shared, expressing concern about managing without the support. He described the challenge of caring for his sons alone, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.

The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the stress caused to the Lonergan family, attributing the care package reduction to staffing shortages. Despite working with the family, the trust noted difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, particularly in rural regions. “We continue to actively pursue a range of potential options to maintain the service for this family,” the trust stated, “including reviewing rosters in Armagh and surrounding areas to find additional capacity and collaborating with other teams for support.”

Ronan’s care ended in March 2024, leading to a noticeable decrease in assistance at home. Donall, who is also autistic and suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder, currently receives one hour of daily care to help with waking up and dressing. Alphie recounted Donall’s meticulous routines, such as brushing his teeth three times and checking his laces six times before the day begins.

“Donall doesn’t get up until the carer arrives—you can’t just lift a man in his 40s out of bed and get him moving,” Alphie added. “I feel terrible talking about them; they’re two great lads. I love them dearly. My wife’s final words were, ‘I’m sorry about this Alphie, look after the children.’ And that’s something I’ll definitely do.”

While Alphie has support from his two daughters, the uncertainty of the care package’s end is taking a toll on the entire family. His daughters, who also have their own children, are often called upon to assist. “They’ve been thrown into the deep end from an early age,” he said. “They’re trying to hold down their jobs, and I have to ask, ‘Would you come down here, I’m stuck.’ That’s very stressful for them as well.”

Additionally, Alphie struggles with inadequate rest as Donall frequently stays up late. “I wouldn’t be sleeping that great,” he explained. “He’s very careful, and he doesn’t cause any harm. But he walks between rooms, closing doors. I’m aware of it, but I can’t switch off.”

In November, it was confirmed that some social care workers would not receive the pay increase offered to Northern Ireland healthcare professionals. The initiative, aimed at preventing industrial action, covered doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff, but excluded independent sector homecare workers. Funding for the Real Living Wage was available, though it hasn’t yet been fully utilized.