A support and advocacy service for vulnerable adults has expressed concern that the "hasty" withdrawal of home care supports for some people has put undue strain on families and may lead to instances of abuse.
Executive Director of Sage Advocacy Mervyn Taylor said that the agency is getting a mixed picture from across the country, but it appears that there has been a drop of 20% in home care supports due to a re-prioritisation of staff and the need for some carers to self-isolate.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Taylor said that some people waiting up to a year in acute hospitals for home care were suddenly allowed to go home with supports to free up beds for the Covid-19 crisis.