"Current Homecare System Not Suitable and Not Meeting Needs Of People" -HIQA

Wednesday, 15 December 2021 09:49

By Caoimhe Harney

It says homecare is influenced by funding and geography.

Health Information and Quality Authority(HIQA) has said that homecare services are in urgent need of a watchdog.

It has called for the introduction of regulation to Ireland’s homecare services.

It says homecare should be person centred, focused on quality, integrated, needs led, and inclusive of complex care where age or disability status is not a barrier or gatekeeper to access homecare services.

It has said homecare is an essential, and increasingly in demand, a service which allows people to receive health, social and personal care within their home.
HIQA says this would be in line with the vision of the Sláintecare Programme to provide the ‘right care, in the right place, at the right time.'

It says now is an opportune time for Ireland to take a different approach to the funding, procurement and delivery of all health and social care services, including homecare services.

Carol Grogan, HIQA’s Chief Inspector of Social Services, said: “Most people in Ireland would prefer to age and receive care in their own home.

"However, homecare operates in complex conditions influenced by funding, availability and geography.

"The current homecare system is not sustainable and is not meeting the needs of people, with some vulnerable people unable to avail of support in their home.

"Furthermore, homecare services are not currently regulated to establish and ensure their quality and safety.

“Providers told us that there is a need to reform homecare services which may include the introduction of regulations and standards.

"The public, and the people receiving services, should be assured about the quality and safety of services."

HIQA says it looks forward to working with the Government to progress this urgent reform to legislation for the people of Ireland.