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Home and Community Care Ireland conducts first ever Annual Curám Baile Survey
Thursday 14 March 2019: Home and Community Care Ireland today released the results of its first ever Annual Curám Baile Survey. Joseph Musgrave, Chief Executive of Home and Community Ireland (HCCI), announced the results to members of HCCI at the organisation’s AGM in Dublin.
The results of the Curám Baile Survey show that:
- HCCI members directly employ 14,000 home care workers
- HCCI members currently care for over 21,000 clients in Ireland
- 13,000 of these clients are funded by the State
- 8,000 of these clients fund their care privately, and the vast majority do not receive any assistance from the State
The Government has undertaken to introduce a statutory entitlement to home care by 2021. HCCI supports this, as well as statutory regulation for home care, and would like all political parties to reiterate their intention to legislate for a statutory entitlement to home care no later than 2021.
Commenting on the figures, Joseph Musgrave (Chief Executive, HCCI) said:
“The Curám Baile Survey, which HCCI has conducted for the very first time, shows how integral our members are to the home care system in Ireland. We are helping to honour the wishes of so many people who wish to be cared for in their own home.
“HCCI’s 75 members provide excellent care 24/7, 365 days per year. It is a challenging job, but one we all know is vital as our society ages. As demand for home care grows, we help maintain the freedom of people to be cared for in their own homes and create employment opportunities for thousands of people.
“These figures also highlight the necessity of HCCI to ensure that the industry is supporting the delivery of quality home care through the provision of a regulated framework. Our members recruit, train and supervise the very best healthcare staff, and we will continue efforts to improve the employment conditions for all staff. To do this we need collaboration and support from the Government, the HSE and of course the staff themselves.
“Demand for home care is expected to increase by around 5% per year for the next decade. HCCI members expect to have an additional 7,000 posts to fill, as well as 10,000 more clients.
“We will continue efforts to ensure that there is a statutory entitlement to home care for everyone; and that we bring in sensible regulation making the care industry a more attractive career for people. We urgently need to draw up legislation for a statutory entitlement to, and regulation of, home care.”
Joseph Musgrave’s remarks at AHCAI Annual Conference
Good afternoon everyone.
I am delighted to attend the Alliance of Health Care Assistant’s Conference, and to see so many people here this afternoon. Thank you to Anne Marie for my invitation, and for her hard work in advocating for HCA’s and spreading word about the Alliance.
By way of background, Home and Community Care Ireland is the representative association for organisations that provide a managed home care service in Ireland. We have over 70 members who directly employ some 12,000 carers serving 20,000 clients. Next to the HSE, HCCI’s members are the largest provider of care in the State.
Although there is plenty I feel we can do now to improve home care, that is not what I am here to speak with you about today. Anne Marie asked me to discuss the future of homecare.
There are two things we know that will greatly affect the future – the statutory entitlement for homecare that the Department for Health is currently working on and, related to that, the Sláintecare reforms.
My understanding is that the Department is proceeding with work on the statutory entitlement for homecare, and that they hope to release more information in Q2 or Q3 this year.
In drafting the entitlement, the Department should, in my view, encompass four things:
- Outline what level, or levels, of home care provision that a person in Ireland can be entitled to
- Explain how this level of home care provision will be funded
- Describe the regulatory model for home care
- Ensure that all this is set against the context of Sláintecare, which means that it should be integrated into the community from the outset
Focusing on Sláintecare, one of my greatest hopes is that we get a true community health service. For home care, this would mean that we should see less home care packages awarded in the acute system – that is, fewer approved at the point where someone has taken a fall or is about to be discharged from hospital – and more awarded as a gradual scaling up of care for the individual.
We have to diagnose, manage and intervene in a more timely way.
Some other thoughts about the future of the service:
- We need to rethink our approach to home care workers. I think it is totally unacceptable that the current health service pays one hourly rate to a home care worker regardless of skill and experience. We need to look at this along with a range of other measures to support home care workers in the job that they do.
- Ireland does not need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to home care. We can draw on international best practice and be innovative in our approach to new technologies. As more and more of the world’s countries have ageing populations, this is an opportunity for us to design and incorporate technology to improve home care services.
- I believe in the power of individual choice, and think it is a good thing that clients have a range of providers. However, to function effectively, clients need to have information in order to make an informed choice. As we develop plans for the future of the service, we need to give careful thought about how we educate people from all sections of our society about home care and their choices.
This is not an exhaustive list about the future of home care in Ireland, but I wanted to share some thoughts with you to get our discussion started.
Thank you for listening to me this afternoon, and I will gladly take any questions that you may have.
Home and Community Care Ireland addresses Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health
On Wednesday 12 December, Joseph Musgrave, Chief Executive of HCCI, addressed members of both Houses of the Oireachtas at the Joint Committee on Health. Representatives from Age Action, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, the Care Alliance and Family Carers joined HCCI at the meeting. During his opening remarks, Joseph highlighted several ways home care service could be improved:
“The current allocation of packages, which is done by fastest finger first as per the HSE’s 2018 Tender, is sub-optimal. HCCI would prefer to see a different model that would be uniform across all CHOs, allow providers to participate in holistic care planning and thus end the widespread practice of inefficient rostering. This would provide more meaningful work for carers.”
He went on to discuss the current shortage of carers in the labour force and that efforts to address this need to combine improvements to their conditions as well as the development of a career pathway.
“We need to change the HSE procurement rules so that the tendering process is a tool to improve the conditions of the workforce as well as deliver value for money. The reality is that the HSE sets the conditions of the market. That carers do not receive travel allowances, except in rare circumstances, is as a result of the procurement practices of the HSE.
“HCCI submitted a case to the Economic Migration Policy Unit to allow non-EEA workers into Ireland to become home carers. We think it is vital that we broaden the base of available workers. In addition, HCCI is currently working on a submission to the Department of Social Protection in the hopes we can end the current system that punishes a worker from providing home care whilst in receipt of state benefits.”
Joseph concluded HCCI’s opening statement with a call to increase dialogue among all those in home care:
“HCCI would like to see a framework that draws on the expertise of the relevant stakeholders and meets regularly to ensure that Sláintecare is a success. We need to clarify how we will fund the expansion in community services needed to support the reforms, as well as start preparing the entire sector so that it is ready to provide this care. The regulation of the home care is vital, and therefore we should be teasing out now what model of regulation will deliver the best outcome in the future.”
You can view a video of the session on the Oireachtas website by clicking here.
HCCI disappointed by lack of detail for homecare in Budget 2019
Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI) is disappointed with the outcome of Budget 2019. Budget 2019 announced an increase in health funding of €1 billion, to €17 billion in 2019. But there was no detail by the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donoghue T.D. on homecare.
While HCCI appreciates the pressure on resources faced by the Government, Ireland has 6,500 people on a waiting list to receive a homecare package. HCCI is calling on the Government to urgently clarify what the situation is regarding homecare funding in 2019.
Every 15 minutes someone in Ireland turns 65 and every 30 minutes someone turns 80. And according to the ERSI report, Projections of Demand for Healthcare In Ireland 2015–2030, demand for home care will increase by 50% in the next 11 years.
The Minister did not have to announce significant new funds for homecare, although HCCI would have welcomed this. Instead, the Minister could have been creative and better utilised existing funds. One measure would be to end the ring-fencing of nursing home Fair Deal funds and homecare funds. Currently nursing home funding is over double that for homecare.
Joseph Musgrave, CEO of HCCI said: “Money should follow the most appropriate care path for a patient, not some arbitrary route determined by politicians. This Budget was a chance to correct that, and I am disappointed for the sector that the Minister was not more creative today.
“The Budget also failed to address the current social welfare rules, which unfairly penalises care workers.”
HCCI projects that the sector will need 15,000 to 25,000 additional carers over the next decade, and supports a number of solutions to meet this demand. Partly this is a change to social welfare rules and some of the problems could also be addressed by reforming rules around non-EEA workers.
Response to Government plans to reform rules on non-EEA workers from Home and Community Care Ireland
Response to Government plans to reform rules on non-EEA workers from Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI) – 28 September 2018
Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI), the representative organisation for private home care providers in Ireland, welcomes today’s findings from Ireland’s Economic Migration Policy and plans to reform employment permits for non-EEA workers.
Currently in Ireland, over 30% of carers are foreign nationals. Every 15 minutes someone in Ireland turns 65 and every 30 minutes someone turns 80. It is estimated that there are 6,500 on the HSE waiting list for home care services.
Joseph Musgrave, CEO, Home and Community Care Ireland said: “HCCI welcomes today’s announcement and comments from the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys that these reforms will enable Ireland to keep pace with evolving enterprise requirements. However, more needs to be done for home care. We project that an extra 15,000-25,000 carers will be needed in Ireland over the next decade. We should look at moving non-EEA carers onto the Eligible List of jobs and granting a special social welfare status to care workers.
“I would be delighted to work with the Minister, Government and the HSE to get this reform working for home care.”
According to an ERSI report, Projections of Demand for Healthcare In Ireland 2015–2030, demand for home care will increase by 50% in the next 11 years. Today’s announcement is a small step towards dealing with these increased demands for home care, but more action is needed.
HCCI has over 70 member companies and franchisees, employing 12,000 carers for over 20,000 clients. The organisation advocates for the highest standard of regulated home care service to be made available to all on a statutory basis enabling the elderly, or people with disabilities, to remain independent within their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Appointment Notice
Home and Community Care Ireland appoints its first Chief Executive Officer 19th September 2018:
Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI), the representative organisation for private home care providers in Ireland, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Musgrave as Chief Executive Officer.
This appointment will take place with immediate effect. The appointment highlights HCCI’s commitment to be the leader and voice for home care providers in Ireland, and also representing the best interests of carers and home care clients across Ireland.
Joseph Musgrave, Chief Executive Officer, HCCI said: “It is an honour to be appointed the first CEO of HCCI. In my first couple months, I will be travelling Ireland listening to the issues and concerns of our members and of the carers who work for our members. I relish the challenge to ensure we, as an industry, continue to provide excellent care in the homes of our loved ones.”
As part of his role, Joseph will work with the Government and other stakeholders to try to bring regulation on a statutory basis for home care in Ireland. A key area will also include encouraging the development of caring as a career, and communicating this to key Government Departments.
Joseph brings a wealth of experience to this role. He was part of the successful campaign to introduce gay marriage to the UK, both as part of a social media campaign (Out4Marriage) and also working with the Conservative Party’s Freedom To Marry campaign. During the campaign, he made a number of appearances on UK media, including Radio 4’s Today Programme, Sky News and the BBC.
Joseph joined Burson-Marsteller, now known as Burson Cohn & Wolfe, in 2014 and worked in various roles during that time. Whilst at Burson-Marsteller, he worked as a Director in New York where he was the Project Lead for the firm’s transformation and modernisation programme. In addition, he worked with clients to manage their corporate reputation and provided crisis communications advice to a leading management consultancy.
Prior to this, he acted as Chief of Staff to the Worldwide President in London to strengthen and grow the organisation across all regions and practices, and advised international clients. This included working with the firm’s senior leadership to design a new global strategy and new business process. Before joining Burson-Marsteller, he worked with the PR agency Weber Shandwick in London.
Joseph blogs regularly on behalf of the Huffington Post and contributes to their radio channels. He holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History from University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
Home and Community Care Ireland Calls for regulation in the home care industry
Home and Community Care Ireland Calls for regulation in the home care industry
– Demand for home care services to increase by 50% over the next eleven years – creating a demand for 20,000 additional jobs in the home care sector
30th May 2018: Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI), the representative organisation for private home care providers in Ireland, appeared today (30th May) before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health to discuss one of the greatest challenges facing the Irish economy: the ageing population in Ireland. Every 15 minutes someone in Ireland turns 65, and every 30 minutes someone turns 80.
As a result of long hospital waiting lists and the Government’s stated policy of removing ‘bed blockers’, there is an unprecedented demand for home care services. According to a recent report from the ERSI, “Projections of Demand for Healthcare in Ireland 2015 – 2030” demand for home care will increase by 50% over the next eleven years. The Department of Health has acknowledged that it is unable to keep up with demand. Approximately 4,600 people are on waiting lists for home care (this includes new applicants and those waiting for additional hours). According to the Healthy Ireland report of 2017, Planning for Health, the requirement for home care packages is expected to rise by 70% by 2031, resulting in an additional 11,000 home care packages (HCPs).
Orlaith Carmody, Chairperson of Home and Community Ireland said: “HCCI welcomes the opportunity to offer some insight and co-operation in bringing urgent change to bear on the legislation, regulation and commission of home care. It is a reality that home care in Ireland is in crisis and urgent steps need to be put in place. A poll carried out by Amárach Research found that 85% of people wanted to be cared for in their home. Currently, there is no regulation of any description in the home care industry. In the absence of regulation, HCCI is the only body that submits to independent auditors and operates a self-governing framework. We in the HCCI would also like to stress that recruitment and retention of workers is a major challenge for the home care sector.”
In respect of care workers, HCCI estimates that some 40,000 people are employed in home care across the public, voluntary and private sectors. However, the sector is facing problems retaining current carers, because of working conditions and a lack of professional standing; and has the impossible task of finding 20,000 new carers as a matter of urgency.
HCCI’s approach to home care is based on providing a fully managed, relationship and outcome-based, home care service to every client who needs it. Every client is professionally assessed. Every carer is Garda vetted, trained, insured, managed and supervised, thereby ensuring the highest standards of care for the client. In addition, HCCI believes it delivers value for money to the Irish taxpayer and is committed to continuing this practice.
The immediate concerns of the industry – as highlighted in the seven policy and legislative challenges identified by the Oireachtas Library and Research – are a lack of regulation or any standardisation of service throughout the country, which are urgently needed to provide safeguarding for the most vulnerable members of our society.
In light of the aforementioned, HCCI is calling for the following measures to be adopted:
1. Home care to be introduced on a statutory basis, mirroring the legal entitlement to funding for long-stay care available through the Nursing Home Support Schemes.
2. An independent authority (such as HIQA) to be introduced to implement regulation and standards to drive quality and safe delivery of care to home care clients.
3. Change HSE commissioning procedures to allow care workers operate a workable block weekly schedule with travel costs included. Many carers need support from the Department of Social Protection. Currently, if these Carers works just half an hour a day, as often occurs under current commissioning practices, they lose their full daily social welfare entitlement.
4. The introduction of a national register of trained and qualified home care practitioners, which protects both carers and clients.
5. The combining of current budgets for Nursing Home Care and Home Care. This would entail the HSE offering expanded home care packages to offer full choice to clients and the opportunity to live independently in the dignity and comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
6. Nationwide implementation of Client-Directed Home Care (CDC). This would involve offering a monetary contribution towards an individual’s home care needs, allowing them to choose their own provider – i.e. public, private or voluntary.
HCCI Position Paper Published.
HCCI has developed a Position Paper on Home Care, which outlines the steps needed to provide the highest standards of home care in Ireland, available to all.
Emergency Home Care During Storm Emma
Bereneice O’Rourke of HCCI on RTE News explains how carers are committed to helping their clients throughout Storm Emilia.
If you have an emergency and need a carer, please use our Care Finder tool here hcci.ie/care-finder/
