Frank O’Rourke TD has said that a comprehensive strategy for Home Care is needed if we are to provide a sustainable home care structure for the future according to Kildare North
Deputy Frank O’Rourke made the statement following a meeting with a number of families in Leixlip and Clane that required home care for their elderly parents.
Speaking in the Dail on this issue, Deputy O’Rourke has highlighted the problems that families are dealing with on a regular basis. ‘As Ireland’s population grows, the provision of quality home care is one of Ireland’s greatest challenges. The whole Home care industry is unregulated and has experienced huge growth in the last number of years, with a significant increase in the number of people working in the sector,’
‘To date, I understand that there are over 40,000 people employed in the home care sector nationally, which includes the HSE, private sector and not for profit organisations. Some sources indicate that there will be an increase of 54% in the number of people over 65 over the period 2011 to 2025 with in excess of 320,000 additional older people who may require care services.’
‘In the cases where there is a significant dependency, residential care is undoubtedly the most appropriate option for people. However, I believe that there is a significant number of people currently in a nursing home, who with the right support, could be cared for in their own homes. Most people, where possible prefer to be cared for in their own home.’
‘In my view, it is clear from the reply that I received from the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation that the Government has little or no strategy or policies in place for Home carers, as reflected by his answer to my parliamentary question when he stated that ‘The rate of pay and conditions of employment of staff who are employed by care providers is a matter for these providers.’ This reply reflects a lack of Government interest in the sector.’
‘In the last week alone, at my clinics in Leixlip and Clane, I see the need for a comprehensive strategy for this home care industry. We need to encourage more employees into this sector, seek to expand the not for profit organisations sector, develop the Live-in care and encourage more training and development for people working in this sector.’ Stated Deputy O’Rourke.
‘This is a growth industry, but, by its very nature, is a much personalised service to enable our older people be cared for with dignity in their own homes. Indeed, by providing more home care packages, it will relieve the pressure on the residential home care sector.’
‘We need a strategy to cater for the growing demand for home care packages,’ concluded Deputy O’Rourke.