Where cost cutting decisions need greater consideration

Editorial Department • Published 26 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

VIEWPOINT

The upheaval of moving home is truly a stressful occasion for everyone but when you are over 90 years old and you have no alternative, that certainly is stressful.

Indications are that Drumhaw Home in Lisnaskea, is set to close as a number of its residents are moving to alternative accommodation this weekend.

One of them is likely to be Bob Barnett who has enjoyed his stay at Drumhaw, living alone in his room, since his wife, died five years ago.

Bob is from another era, when people never hesitated to put their own life before others for the greater good of the community. Having served in the War, he knows what hard times are like.

But he says this issue with the uncertain future of Drumhaw House is much different.

He and many of the other residents, now numbering fewer than a dozen and a half, are resisting a move because Drumhaw has been their home and they enjoy living there.

However it seems the Western Health Trust may have other plans and it is believed that three of the residents are moving out over the weekend. The fewer the number left, means that Drumhaw will be less viable in terms of economics. That will be the parameter that the Trust will then use to close the Home.

Adjusting to a new life in a new environment with different people is often upsetting for the elderly. They enjoy their routines. And the service they receive at Drumhaw is second to none. But it seems it is decision makers often not in touch with the daily realities of life there, who will dictate the future. And circumstances of any particular resident does not appear to matter.

Cost cutting is the buzz word these days as government departments strive to reduce public expenditure. It’s when that affects the personal lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society that greater consideration needs to be given to the outcome.

People such as Bob Barnett says he served his country at War, now he believes his country is letting him and his many friends down.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 Aug 10

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