Day centres or day care centres in Ireland provide a range of social and rehabilitative services for older people and people with disabilities.
Day centres include centres that provide day activation, such as recreational and leisure facilities, and specialised clinic facilities that provide a combination of medical and rehabilitation services. Availability of services varies in different areas. Some day centres are provided directly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and some are provided by other organisations on behalf of the HSE.
Access to day centres is by referral and the eligibility conditions vary from area to area.
Rules
There are no clear-cut rules about day centres. In practice, day centres have evolved as an alternative to hospital or other residential care for older people and people with disabilities.
Their general purpose is to help older people, people with disabilities, and their carers, to live in their communities and to promote independent living.
The range of services available varies widely and can include any or all of the following:
- Transport to and from day centres
- Health monitoring
- Chiropody
- Personal care
- Laundry
- Rehabilitative training
- Social skills for people with learning disabilities
- Advice for carers
- Meals
Rates
There may be a small charge for transport and meals provided by day centres.
How to apply
Usually people are referred to day centres or day care services by their family doctor (GP) or their public health nurse. Day services may be recommended to people with intellectual disabilities or autism after an assessment of need.
