Shortage of home carers ‘impacting on the most vulnerable’

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe TD has called on the government to act urgently to ensure carers are available to assist people who need home support aftenew figures revealed shocking numbers of people in the CHO7 have been left without much-needed carers. Figures released to Sinn Féin spokesperson on Disability and Carers Pauline Tully TD by the HSE have exposed that almost 5,000 people across the state are waiting for a carer to be allocated to them despite being approved.

Teachta Crowe said: “Figures released to Sinn Féin by the HSE in response to a parliamentary question expose a growing crisis when it comes to home carers in Ireland. “500 people have been approved for a carer in CHO area CHO7, which includes Dublin South West and Dublin Mid West, but despite this have not been allocated a carer due to severe shortages. Almost 5,000 people are in this unacceptable situation right across the state.

“This is unacceptable. Sinn Féin has been warning for many years now of a looming crisis within the homecare system, as too many people who require homecare supports aren’t getting the hours that they need. This crisis has spiralled during the pandemic, yet the government has consistently failed to properly plan and put contingencies in place.

“Behind every statistic are real lives and real people who are being let down by the state. People with disabilities and older people should have every right to lead full, independent lives and receive basic supports from the state to meet their needs. “I am calling on the government to engage fully with private and community and voluntary homecare providers to incentivise the progression of the terms and conditions they offer their staff and bring them into line with those employed directly by the HSE.

“I am also calling on the government to relax the income and working hours limits for part-time homecare workers in receipt of social welfare payments to quickly introduce additional capacity to the homecare sector. “This situation is not good enough for people here in Dublin South West and across the state. The government must stop burying their head in the sand on this issue and finally prioritise older people and those with disabilities to ensure they get the support they deserve.”