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 end1 hour agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJudith CummingsandNiall Glynn,BBC News NIBBCAlphie Lonergan says he needs help to look after his two sons Alphie Lonergan is 84 years old and the primary carer for two of his adult children.Ronan and Donall, both in their 40s, have severe learning disabilities and live at home with their father.What was a once a three-hour care package provided by their local health trust for both sons, was cut to an hour in 2024 for one son. That package is set to end on Friday. "Thank God I'm in good shape, physically. Mentally I'm under awful, awful stress," Alphie said, worried about how he will cope.The Southern Health Trust apologised for the stress and worry caused to the Lonergan family but said the decision to withdraw the care package was due to a lack of social care staff.The family live in Loughgilly, a rural part of County Armagh.Ronan's part of the care package ended in March 2024, leading to a reduction in the time carers spent in the home.Donall, who is also autistic and has obsessive compulsive disorder, currently has a carer come in for an hour each day to get him up and dressed.Alphie told The Nolan Show that Donall brushes his teeth three times and checks his laces six times before he is ready for the day.Donall and Ronan attend some day centres in nearby towns during the daytime, but at home Alphie is the sole carer."Donall doesn't get up until the carer arrives - you can't lift a boy in his 40s out of bed and get him up on his feet who doesn't want to do it," he added."I feel awful talking about them, they're two great lads."I love them dearly."The last words my wife said: 'I'm sorry about this Alphie, look after the children.'"And that's something I'll definitely do."Alphie Lonergan with his sons Ronan and DonallAlphie has support from h...