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

Father Faces Significant Strain as Care Support for Sons Ends

Alphie Lonergan, 84, is the sole caregiver for his two adult children, Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s, who have severe learning disabilities and live at home. A once-three-hour daily care program from the Southern Health Trust has been reduced to a one-hour session, with the service set to terminate this Friday.

“Thankfully, I’m physically fit, but mentally I’m experiencing immense stress,” Alphie said, expressing concern over managing without the support.

The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the stress caused to the Lonergan family, citing staff shortages as the reason for the care package reduction. The family resides in Loughgilly, a rural area of County Armagh.

Ronan’s care ended in March 2024, leading to a diminished amount of assistance provided at home. Donall, who is also autistic and has obsessive compulsive disorder, now receives a daily one-hour session to help with morning tasks like getting him up and dressed.

“Donall doesn’t wake up until the carer arrives, and it’s challenging to rouse a man in his 40s from bed if he’s not eager to move,” Alphie explained, highlighting the specific routines required.

Alphie described feeling overwhelmed when discussing their situation, calling them “two great lads” and expressing deep affection for them. “The last words my wife said: ‘I’m sorry about this, Alphie. Look after the children,’ he shared, emphasizing the emotional toll.

Alphie has support from his two daughters, but the family’s uncertainty is taking a toll on everyone. “My two daughters were thrown in at the deep end from an early age,” he said. “They have their own children, trying to hold down their jobs, and I have to call them: ‘Would you come down here, I’m stuck.’ That’s very stressful for them as well.”

Additionally, the 84-year-old struggles with rest as Donall often stays up until the early hours. “I wouldn’t be sleeping that great,” he admitted. “He’s very careful, he wouldn’t do any harm. But he walks about from room to room, closing doors. I’m aware of it, I can’t switch off.”

Southern Health Trust Response

The Southern Trust said it was facing challenges in hiring and keeping staff, particularly in rural areas, but noted it was collaborating with the family. “We continue to actively explore various options to sustain the service for this family,” the trust stated. “This includes regularly assessing rosters in Armagh and nearby regions to identify possible capacity increases, as well as connecting with other multidisciplinary teams for support.”

“We’ve also consulted staff in other areas to see if they could contribute extra hours in the region where this family lives, though there has been no response so far,” the statement added.

Impact of Pay Offer

In November, it was confirmed that some social care staff would not benefit from the pay offer made to Northern Ireland healthcare workers. The offer, intended to prevent industrial action, covered doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff but did not extend to homecare workers in the independent sector. Funding for the Real Living Wage was made available, yet it fell short of addressing all staffing needs.