Dad, 84, ‘under awful stress’ as son’s care package set to end
84-Year-Old Father Faces Major Care Challenges as Support Ends
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 live at home with their father in Loughgilly, a rural area of County Armagh. A once-three-hour care package from their local health trust has been drastically reduced, with one son’s support cut to an hour in 2024. This service is now set to terminate entirely by Friday.
“Thank God I’m in good shape physically. Mentally, I’m under awful stress,” Alphie remarked, expressing concern over his ability to manage alone.
Family Struggles Amid Staff Shortages
The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the strain on the Lonergan family but cited staff shortages as the reason for the care package’s withdrawal. Ronan’s care ended in March 2024, while Donall, who is also autistic and has obsessive compulsive disorder, currently receives an hour of daily assistance with personal care.
“Donall doesn’t get up until the carer arrives—no one can lift a man in his 40s out of bed without help,” Alphie explained, highlighting the challenges of his son’s routine. He added, “I feel awful talking about them; they’re two great lads. I love them dearly.”
Alphie’s wife once told him, “I’m sorry about this Alphie, look after the children,” a sentiment he vows to honor. Despite support from his two daughters, the unpredictability of his role is taking a toll. “They were thrown in at the deep end early,” he said. “They have their own kids, jobs, and I have to ask, ‘Would you come down here, I’m stuck.’ It’s stressful for them too.”
Impact of Reduced Care and Sleep Deprivation
Alphie also struggles to rest, as Donall often stays awake into the early hours, moving between rooms and closing doors. “I can’t switch off,” he admitted. The Southern Trust noted difficulties in hiring and retaining staff, particularly in rural regions, but stated they are collaborating with the family to explore alternatives.
“We are actively reviewing rota schedules in Armagh and nearby areas to find more capacity,” the trust said in a statement. “We’ve also reached out to other multidisciplinary teams and checked if staff in different regions can assist, though no additional support has been secured yet.”
Pay Dispute and Funding Concerns
In November, it was revealed that some social care workers would not receive the pay raise offered to Northern Ireland healthcare professionals. This incentive, meant to prevent strikes, excluded independent sector homecare workers, leaving them without funding for the Real Living Wage. The Lonergan family’s situation underscores the broader challenges faced by caregivers in rural communities, as highlighted by the 2021 Census data.
