The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has called for immediate reform, including the introduction of regulation, of Ireland’s homecare services.

Homecare is an essential, and increasingly in demand, service which allows people to receive health, social and personal care within their home. In line with the vision of the Sláintecare Programme to provide the ‘right care, in the right place, at the right time’, HIQA 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.”
Over the last number of years, HIQA has advocated that the homecare sector needs a complete overhaul given the uneven distribution of homecare services and the absence of a statutory footing. Today, it has published two research papers and a position paper on the need to regulate homecare.

Ms Grogan continued: “Introducing regulation into this area is critical to enhance the safety and quality of care, but it is only one part of the broader reform that is needed. We firmly believe that 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.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to progress this urgent reform for the people of Ireland.”

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. It also calls 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.

Ms Grogan concluded: “HIQA is prepared to regulate this sector and will continue to advocate for the people who require these services. We need to listen to the voices of people receiving homecare and ensure that their day-to-day experience is at the centre of how services are provided.

“Whether you receive care in a hospital, a nursing home, residential care, or in your own home, you should be supported to live your life safely and to the fullest, receiving the best possible care and support. With an ageing population, the challenges in homecare now will only become more complex in the coming years.”

Read the full reports or watch our video on the need to regulate homecare services at the link at the top of the page.

Ends.

For further information please contact:
Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
085 805 5202 / mwhelan@hiqa.ie

Notes to the editor:

• As set out in the Health Act 2007, HIQA’s role is to promote safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social care services.
• HIQA’s Regulation of Homecare: Research Report outlines an analysis of the current landscape of homecare in Ireland, survey and focus group findings with homecare service providers and advocates, a literature review and review of international research on the regulation of homecare.
• HIQA is developing a set of National Standards for Home Support Services to drive improvements in the provision of home support services, and complement the development of primary legislation and regulations.
• During 2021, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is estimated to provide funding for:
  • 23.67 million older persons’ home support hours delivered to 55,675 people; this is inclusive of an additional 5 million hours funded under the Winter Plan 2020/2021
  • an excess of 3 million hours provided for home support and over 1.7 million personal assistant (PA) hours provided to adults who fall under the disability remit
  • 533 packages of care for children with complex needs and approximately 18,000 hours per year.