As a member of the Commission’s Reference Group, we have consistently advocated for a greater emphasis on rehabilitation within older persons’ services.

The report’s findings clearly highlight the urgent need for reform, stating that access to rehabilitation for older adults is “grossly inadequate” and identifying significant gaps in rehabilitation capacity and pathways. 

These findings are particularly relevant to people living with acquired neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury and other forms of acquired brain injury. Many people experience long-term challenges that affect their physical, cognitive, communication, emotional and social functioning, yet access to specialist neurorehabilitation remains limited, particularly for those over the age of 65. 

We welcome the report’s recognition that rehabilitation and reablement should, wherever possible, be delivered in people’s homes and communities. The report notes that receiving rehabilitative care at home as part of a comprehensive support package is often the optimal approach. This reflects the established principles of community neurorehabilitation, which focus on restoring function, promoting independence, supporting participation and enabling people to live well in their own communities. 

We are also encouraged by the report’s broader focus on prevention and, in particular, brain health. The report’s recommendations present an important opportunity to strengthen Ireland’s lifespan approach to rehabilitation.  

As the Commission’s work progresses, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland believes that future reform should prioritise:

• Equitable access to specialist rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation, regardless of age.
• Greater investment in home and community-based rehabilitation services.
• Prevention of unnecessary admissions to long-term residential care.
• Enablement and recovery-focused models of care.
• Support for cognitive, physical, emotional and social functioning.
• Services that maximise independence, participation and quality of life.

We look forward to continuing to contribute to this important work and to advocate for the provision of equitable rehabilitation services for all survivors of brain injury.