The HSE provides and funds a range of services for people with disabilities and their carers. These services include basic health services as well as assessment, rehabilitation, income maintenance, community care and residential care respite, home care and daycare.
Some services are provided directly by the HSE. Community, residential and rehabilitative training services are provided by voluntary organisations with grant aid from the HSE.
Health services for people with a Disability
People with disabilities are entitled to general health services. These services may include medical cards, prescribed medicines, medical and surgical aids and appliances, hospital services, dental, optical and aural services.
Community care services
People with disabilities are entitled to avail of the range of community care services. In many cases, they have priority in access to the services. The relevant community care services may include public health nurse (PHN), home help, personal assistance, psychological services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social work services, physiotherapy, daycare and respite.
Children’s Disability Network Teams
Children’s Disability Network Teams are for children aged from birth to 18 years who have complex needs, and their families. A child has complex needs if they have a range of difficulties which need the support of a team of professionals who work very closely together. There is a Children’s Disability Network Teams for every part of the country.
Find your local Children’s Disability Network Team
Related links
If you are a family carer
A family carer is described as someone who is providing an ongoing significant level of care to a person who is in need of care in the home due to illness or disability or frailty. The care that family and other carers provide involves looking after the needs of people with a wide range of dependencies across all age groups.
If you are caring for a person with a disability you can find out more about being a carer and the supports available.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Page
