The Public Health Nurse is often a practical route into community services for older people, such as nursing care at home, equipment and advice. A Home Support application does not have to go through the Public Health Nurse — it can be sent directly to the local Home Support Office.
Contact details are organised locally by health area. Where we have verified them, they appear on the relevant county page; where we have not, we say so.
Who it's generally for
Older people living at home who need nursing input, assessment or referral.
What it provides
- Nursing assessment and care in the community
- Referral into home support, therapies and equipment
- A route to other local services for older people
The eligibility and assessment caveat
Public health nursing is organised by local health area, and caseloads vary. A GP referral can help, and the person's consent is needed.
What to do next
- Ask the GP practice for the contact details of the Public Health Nurse for that address
- Explain what has changed and ask specifically for an assessment of need
- Ask what community therapies (occupational therapy, physiotherapy) can be requested
Documents and information worth preparing
- The person's address and Eircode
- A list of what has changed recently and any falls
- Their GP details and medication list
Questions worth asking
- Can you carry out an assessment of need, and what is the timeframe?
- Should we also be referred to occupational therapy for the home?
- What equipment could help, and how is it requested?
Official sources
We summarise. The organisations below are the authority on current rules, rates and thresholds.
- Health Service Executive (HSE) — HSE — health and social care services
Open the official source - Citizens Information Board — Citizens Information — older people and carers
Open the official source