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 sons, Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s, who have severe learning disabilities and reside with their father. A once-three-hour daily care arrangement, funded by the Southern Health Trust, has been reduced to one hour for Ronan since March 2024. The remaining support for Donall will soon cease, leaving Alphie to manage both without professional assistance.
“Thank goodness I’m physically fit, but mentally I’m facing immense pressure,” Alphie remarked, expressing concern over his ability to handle the increased responsibilities.
The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the stress caused to the Lonergan family, citing staff shortages as the reason for the care cut. The family lives in Loughgilly, a rural area of County Armagh, where the reduced hours have placed additional strain on Alphie’s daily routine.
Ronan’s care ended in March 2024, shrinking the time carers spent with the family. Donall, who is also autistic and has obsessive-compulsive disorder, currently receives a one-hour daily session to help him get dressed and ready for the day. Alphie described how Donall follows a meticulous morning routine, brushing his teeth three times and checking his shoelaces repeatedly before leaving his room.
“Donall doesn’t get up until the carer arrives—there’s no way to rouse a man in his 40s who’s not eager to start the day,” Alphie added. “I feel terrible when discussing them; they’re truly remarkable young men. I love them dearly.”
Alphie’s two daughters offer some support, but the family’s uncertainty has created a challenging environment. “They’ve been thrust into caregiving from a young age,” he said. “With their own children and jobs to manage, I have to call them: ‘Would you come down here, I’m stuck.’ That’s very stressful for them too.”
The father also struggles with rest, as Donall often stays awake until the early hours. “I wouldn’t be sleeping well,” Alphie said. “He’s careful, but he moves between rooms at night, closing doors. I’m aware of it, I can’t switch off.”
The Southern Health Trust has been working with the family to explore alternatives. In a statement, it noted efforts to adjust schedules and collaborate with other teams to expand support. However, no additional staff have joined the effort so far.
In November, it was confirmed that some social care workers would not receive the pay offer extended to Northern Ireland healthcare staff. The deal, intended to prevent strikes, covered doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff, but excluded independent sector homecare workers. Funding for the Real Living Wage was available, yet it hasn’t been fully applied.
According to the most recent Census in Northern Ireland, conducted in 2021: