In December 2021, we published three papers calling for immediate reform, including the introduction of regulation, of Ireland’s homecare services. The papers set out that homecare is an essential, and increasingly in demand, service which allows people to receive health, social and personal care within their home.
However, HIQA found that homecare operates in a complex environment with many influencing factors such as funding, availability and geography. The research clearly states that 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.
In line with the vision of the Sláintecare Programme to provide the ‘right care, in the right place, at the right time’, we believe 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.
Over the last number of years, we have advocated that the homecare sector needs a complete overhaul given the uneven distribution of homecare services and the absence of a statutory footing. HIQA has called for a full ‘root and branch’ review of homecare to be undertaken before legislation is drafted, that will involve engagement with all key stakeholders, at all levels across the sector. We also call for the development of homecare standards and regulations that should incorporate the principles of a human rights-based approach; safety and wellbeing responsiveness, and accountability — which will work together to achieve person-centred care and support.
Read the research on homecare here.