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 two adult sons with complex needs. Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s, have severe learning disabilities and rely on their father for daily support. A significant change is coming this week, as the care package previously provided by the Southern Health Trust will cease. This marks the end of a three-hour service that had supported the family for years, now reduced to an hour in 2024 before being fully withdrawn.

“Thank God I’m in good shape, physically. Mentally I’m under awful, awful stress,” Alphie said, expressing his worry about managing the new demands.

The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the strain on the Lonergan family, offering an apology for the disruption. However, it cited staffing shortages as the reason for the service cut. The family resides in Loughgilly, a rural area of County Armagh, where Ronan’s care support was reduced in March 2024. Currently, Donall, who is also autistic and has obsessive compulsive disorder, receives one hour of daily assistance to help him with morning routines.

Alphie shared details about Donall’s habits, including brushing his teeth three times and checking his laces six times before being ready for the day. Despite the reduction, the sons still attend day centers in nearby towns during the day, leaving Alphie as the sole provider at home. “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,” he explained.

Alphie’s two daughters provide some support, but the uncertainty has created added pressure. “My two daughters were thrown in at the deep end from an early age,” he said. “They have their own children, they’re trying to hold down their jobs, and I have to phone them: ‘Would you come down here, I’m stuck.’” The stress extends to them as well.

Donall’s late-night activity is also taking a toll on Alphie’s rest. “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’s Response

The Southern Trust highlighted challenges in hiring and keeping staff, especially in rural regions. It stated efforts are being made to maintain the service, including reviewing rosters and connecting with other teams for support. Despite these measures, no additional help has been secured yet.

In November, it was confirmed that some social care workers would not receive the pay offer given to Northern Ireland healthcare professionals. The offer, intended to prevent strikes, applied to doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff but excluded independent homecare workers. Funding for the Real Living Wage was available, but it wasn’t extended to this group, further complicating the situation.

According to the 2021 Northern Ireland Census, the region’s population data underscores the growing demand for care services, yet resources remain stretched. Alphie remains committed to caring for his sons, vowing to do so even as the weight of responsibility grows heavier.