Private provider of home care services, Home Instead, has announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs.
The company, which already has a 4,000-strong team, delivers home care to almost 7,000 clients.
Chief Operating Officer of Home Instead, Shane Jennings said the company is inviting applications from people with an interest in care to join Home Instead in helping older people live independent lives in their own homes. “The work is local, the jobs are sustainable and there are opportunities available in rural and urban areas around the country.”
Mr Jennings said the Global Workforce Report has highlighted the acute —and expanding—shortage of professional care workers around the world, and estimates that across the OECD countries, the number of elder care workers will need to increase by 60% by 2040 to maintain the current ratio of caregivers to older people.
“The number of people over the age of 65 in Ireland is expected to reach 1.4 million by 2040, with even greater growth expected in the population aged 80 and over. This change has the potential for the biggest impact on health services overall,” he said.
“As life expectancy increases in Ireland, so too does the need for quality home care – and quality home carers, the new jobs we are creating will help us to build our caregiving workforce of the future, and is also testament to the hard work of our caregivers and team in our 25 offices around the country.
He said for the vast majority of older people, ageing at home has better health outcomes, is less expensive than institutional care, and can help prevent unnecessary or premature admission to long-term residential care.
The announcement of 1,000 new jobs has been welcomed by Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.
“Supporting older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence, for as long as possible, is a priority for this Government. The Covid-19 pandemic has again highlighted the vital work that caregivers do in our communities.
The Taoiseach said, “We know that in the years ahead, Ireland, like so many countries, will face the challenge of an ageing population. Home care can play an increasingly important role in providing care to our oldest and most vulnerable citizens, many of whom would like to continue living in their homes and communities.”
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