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, faces mounting pressure as the support system for his two adult sons, Ronan and Donall, begins to unravel. Both men, in their 40s, have significant learning disabilities and reside with their father in Loughgilly, a rural area of County Armagh. Previously, a three-hour care package from the Southern Health Trust assisted them, but this has been drastically reduced. By 2024, the time allocated for one son had shrunk to just an hour daily, and the service is now set to conclude entirely.

“Thankfully, Alphie remains physically strong, but mentally, he’s facing immense strain,” he said, expressing concern over the burden of caring for his sons alone.

The Southern Health Trust acknowledged the stress caused to the Lonergan family, attributing the decision to cut the care package to a shortage of social care workers. Despite this, the trust emphasized its ongoing efforts to support the family, including reviewing staff schedules and collaborating with other teams.

Two Great Lads in Need of Constant Attention

Donall, who also has autism and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, currently receives an hour of daily care to help him prepare for the day. Alphie described the specific routines Donall follows, such as brushing his teeth three times and checking his laces six times before getting up. “Donall doesn’t wake until the carer arrives—there’s no way to rouse him otherwise,” Alphie added, highlighting the challenges of managing his son’s needs at home.

“I feel awful talking about them, they’re two great lads. I love them dearly,” Alphie said, expressing his deep affection for his sons while admitting the emotional toll.

Ronan’s care was reduced in March 2024, leaving Alphie as the sole caregiver. The family’s two daughters offer some assistance, but Alphie often finds himself calling for help in the middle of the night, leaving them overwhelmed. “They have their own kids and jobs, and I’m the one who’s stuck,” he said, underscoring the strain on the entire household.

Uncertainty and Lack of Rest

Alphie also struggles with sleep due to Donall’s nocturnal habits. “He’s very careful, but he walks from room to room, closing doors,” he said. “I can’t switch off, even when I’m trying to rest.” The family’s routine is disrupted by Donall’s late-night activity, adding to Alphie’s emotional and physical exhaustion.

In November, it was revealed that some social care staff would not receive the pay raise offered to Northern Ireland healthcare workers. The incentive, meant to prevent strikes, excluded independent-sector homecare workers, leaving them without the financial support to cover the Real Living Wage. According to the 2021 Northern Ireland Census, the region’s population stood at over 1.9 million, with a growing need for care services in rural areas.