Source: Irish Independent
Thousands of people are unable to get the care they need. Photo: Getty
Advocacy groups say a shortage of carers means thousands of people are struggling to get the support they need to remain at home, heightening the risk of them presenting to hospital or considering nursing home care.
In a majority of cases, these people could remain at home long-term if necessary support was available.
A huge shortage of carers means there are 5,986 people on home help waiting lists, with operators struggling to meet the demands placed on the sector. About half of this cohort are waiting on a new service. The others are waiting for staff to be able to provide additional hours, according to the HSE.
Several people working in the sector told the Sunday Independent some carers are working unofficially to fill gaps where home care options are limited or unavailable.
This means current and former healthcare or social care workers are working “off the books” to help people who cannot get access to supports.
Poor pay and conditions are regularly cited as factors contributing to the shortage.
Sage Advocacy chief executive Mervyn Taylor said it is significant that people are able to find alternative ways to receive care, but given the challenges in the sector he thinks the future provision of care must be re-evaluated.
“It shows people are willing to provide care and help those who need support. The demand is there but supply is scarce, so micro solutions are needed,” he added.
“There are people whose ability to stay at home is undermined by bureaucracy. While there are safeguarding considerations to keep in mind, there is a need for a balancing between risk and certain realities.”
Age Action said the nature of its relationship with the people it supports means it is unaware of the types of supports individuals access but acknowledges home care provision is “chronically inadequate”. The impact of a HSE recruitment embargo has not yet been felt in the sector, but a high rate of retirements is a factor.
“While there is an increased budget for the provision of homecare hours, and the Department of Health is also supporting transport for carers now, the number of hours available is reduced,” Age Action said.
“Homecare workers tend to be older, so what you get also is a high rate of retirements. So the rate of recruitment can be cancelled out in some areas by the retirement rate.”
Ireland’s aging population means there will be greater need for elderly supports in the near future. Pressure on the system means those with acute needs and people who can be removed from hospital if given necessary help at home are currently prioritised for HSE supports. But the HSE said latest projections show the population aged over 65 will increase by 38pc by 2031. This is expected to coincide with a 68pc increase in the over 85s population.
Mr Taylor said the future provision of care will involve a range of high-tech and low-tech solutions. He thinks a “GAA for care” is a possible low-tech solution.
This is based on a “not for profit social enterprise approach”, and such an organisation could help meet the challenges posed by an aging society.
High-tech options may include a system to be trialled by the HSE in the south-east where “tele health” solutions will be used to support older people at home.
A pilot scheme through acute services in the Ireland East Hospital Group and the south-east community health area will see if “non-evasive” data monitoring technology can help vulnerable people remain at home.
The technology will not involve the use of cameras but it is hoped other monitoring systems would help detect emergencies, falls, extended periods of inactivity and help with nutritional and mental health supports.
The HSE said funding for the programme has been sought from a Sláintecare integration fund and, pending approval from the Department of Health, the project could commence before the second half of next year.
The HSE has already started an engagement process to see how the necessary technology can be delivered and rolled out for the pilot in south Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford.