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'Comprehensive Plan' Needed To Tackle Home Care Crisis

Tuesday, 20 June 2023 15:15

There are almost 6,500 people on the waiting list for home care support.

There are calls for the government to "devise a comprehensive plan" to tackle the home care crisis.

There are almost 6,500 people on the waiting list for home care supports.

Shortages in home help have led to delays in discharging people from hospital who may require such care. 

Independent Roscommon Galway TD Denis Naughten says family-carers should be legally entitled to a break:

The Regional Group of Independent TDs have tabled a motion in the Dáil tomorrow on the home care crisis, and have put forward eight recommendations:

  • Ensure every family carer is entitled to a minimum number of days of respite care per year through legislation.
  • Enable families to access direct funding for help and care outside regular hours, eliminating restrictions on private providers.
  • Amend the eligibility rules for Jobseeker's Allowance so that the total amount of paid work in hours is considered rather than days, as the current system disincentivises engagement in part-time employment.
  • Increase the means test limits for the Carer's Allowance and establish a high-level group to examine and develop a roadmap for delivering a non-means tested participation income for family carers.
  • Increase the financial threshold for people on State benefits so they can work and earn more money working in the homecare sector. This would help with staff shortages while at the same time helping people to have a better standard of living without being penalised by the State.
  • Ensure that all training for people engaging in the care industry is paid for by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to assist private providers in replacing staff who have moved to jobs within the HSE.
  • Ensure that remuneration for time spent travelling, motor travel expenses and pay when clients are in hospital is standardised for all healthcare employees.
  • Make industry and public sector travel expenses available to home care providers who offer services to older and vulnerable individuals in rural areas, promoting a balanced approach.

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