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, a 84-year-old man from rural County Armagh, is the main caregiver for his two adult sons, Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s. The pair have severe learning disabilities and reside at home with their father. Initially, a three-hour weekly care support was provided by the Southern Health Trust, but this has been reduced to a single hour for one son, set to conclude by the end of the week.
“Thank God I’m in good shape physically. Mentally, I’m under awful, awful stress,” Alphie remarked, expressing concern about his ability to manage without the care package.
The Southern Health Trust issued an apology for the stress and anxiety the Lonergan family has endured, attributing the decision to withdraw the service to a shortage of social care workers. Alphie’s daughters offer some assistance, but the family faces ongoing uncertainty as the care reduction impacts daily life.
Family Life
Ronan’s care hours were cut in March 2024, altering the support available at home. Donall, who is also autistic and has obsessive compulsive disorder, now receives one-hour daily help with morning routines. Alphie described how Donall’s habits, such as brushing teeth three times and checking laces six times, add to the complexity of his caregiving role.
“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,” Alphie added. “I feel awful talking about them, they’re two great lads. I love them dearly.”
Alphie recounted his wife’s final words before her passing: “I’m sorry about this Alphie, look after the children.” He vowed to fulfill that promise, despite the emotional toll. The burden on his daughters is also significant, as they balance their own families and careers while assisting with the care demands.
Care Challenges
Donall’s tendency to stay up late further strains Alphie’s ability to rest. “He’s very careful, he wouldn’t do any harm,” Alphie said, “but he walks from room to room, closing doors. I’m aware of it, I can’t switch off.” Meanwhile, the Southern Health Trust stated it is exploring options to sustain the service, including reorganizing shifts and collaborating with other teams. However, no additional support has been secured yet.
As of November, it was confirmed that some social care workers would not receive the pay offer extended to Northern Ireland healthcare professionals. This offer, designed to prevent industrial action, covered doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff but excluded independent sector homecare workers. Funding for the Real Living Wage was available, but it remains unutilized.
