Episode Details

In this episode of Global Economic Press, Alex Brady discusses the urgent need for scaling safe and regulated home support services in Ireland, as highlighted by a recent report from Comfort Keepers Ireland. With the aging population, the demand for home support services is increasing rapidly. The report emphasizes the importance of enhancing home support to help older individuals live comfortably at home while alleviating the pressure on hospitals. It draws on data from various reputable sources, including the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Department of Health, to project a significant rise in demand for home support services by 2040. The report also outlines necessary reforms to improve the quality and consistency of these services, such as licensing and regulation, Health Information and Quality Authority standards, and improved Information and Communication Technology systems.

Comfort Keepers Ireland, a prominent homecare provider, is actively addressing these challenges by recruiting 700 carers nationwide and offering flexible working hours, strong local support, and continuous training. The report is timely, as Ireland is on the brink of implementing significant regulatory changes with the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025, which aims to establish a registration framework for home support providers. This legislation, along with the new national framework policy for Adult Safeguarding, is expected to enhance the safety and consistency of home support services. Comfort Keepers Ireland's efforts are crucial in building sustainable careers in home support and ensuring that community-based pathways effectively reduce hospital pressures. For more information, visit Comfort Keepers Ireland.