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, 84, is the main caregiver for his two adult children, Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s, who have severe learning disabilities. The pair reside at home with their father in Loughgilly, a rural area of County Armagh. A care package initially offering three hours of support per day from their local health trust has been reduced to one hour for Ronan since March 2024. This support is set to cease entirely on Friday.

“Thank God I’m in good shape, physically. Mentally I’m under awful, awful stress,” Alphie said, expressing concern about the strain on his ability to manage.

The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the stress caused to the Lonergan family but attributed the decision to cut care to staffing shortages. Donall, who is also autistic and has obsessive compulsive disorder, currently receives one hour of daily assistance to help with morning routines. Alphie described how Donall brushes his teeth three times and checks his laces six times before being ready for the day.

Ronan and Donall attend day centers in nearby towns during the day, but at home, Alphie remains the sole carer. “Donall doesn’t get up until the carer arrives—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,” he added.

“I feel awful talking about them, they’re two great lads. I love them dearly,” Alphie said, reflecting on the emotional toll.

Alphie’s two daughters offer support, but the family’s uncertainty is impacting everyone. “They were thrown in at the deep end from an early age,” he noted. “They have their own children, hold down jobs, and I have to call them: ‘Would you come down here, I’m stuck.’” This situation is equally stressful for them.

Alphie also struggles to get adequate rest due to Donall’s nighttime activity. “He’s very careful, he wouldn’t do any harm, but he walks from room to room, closing doors,” he explained. “I’m aware of it, I can’t switch off.”

The Southern Health Trust stated it is working with the family to maintain services, including reviewing staff schedules and coordinating with other teams. However, recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in rural areas, continue to limit capacity. In November, it was confirmed that some social care workers in the independent sector would not receive the pay offer provided to Northern Ireland healthcare staff, which aimed to prevent industrial action. Funding for the Real Living Wage was allocated, but its benefits have not yet been fully realized for those in the independent sector.