Summary
Alphie Lonergan, an 84-year-old man from County Armagh, is the main caregiver for his two adult sons with severe learning disabilities. The local health trust is ending the care package that helped Alphie take care of his sons due to a lack of staff. This has added significant stress to Alphie and his family as they try to manage without the needed support.
Key Facts
- Alphie Lonergan is 84 years old and takes care of his two adult sons, Ronan and Donall, who have severe learning disabilities.
- The local health trust had reduced their care package from three hours to one hour for Donall in 2024, which is now ending.
- The Southern Health Trust says the cuts are due to not having enough social care staff.
- Alphie's sons attend day centers, but at home, Alphie is the main caregiver.
- Donall also has autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, requiring special routines.
- Alphie has support from two daughters, but they have their own jobs and families, making it hard for them to assist regularly.
- Alphie finds it challenging to rest, as Donall stays up late and moves around the house at night.
- The health trust is trying to find more staff but has not been successful yet.
