The Social Democrats (Ireland) policy on Older People aims to build a society where people can feel confident as they grow older. The policy includes inter alia: a universal health service where access is based on need; abolishing home care waiting lists through investment in alternative facilities; improving homecare and community support for people with various chronic illnesses linked to age; protecting pensions; giving older people better housing options; tackling rural isolation; and introducing a statutory right to home care and personal assistance for people with disabilities.