William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)

Community care workers and home carers are essential to Ireland's healthcare system, supporting older people and those with disabilities to live independently at home. Increasing demand means carers are working under tight schedules with limited hours per client. It is essential they have proper training in all areas of elder care and must have good communication skills to support clients and families.

Many carers work through private agencies but oversight varies. This raises concerns about the quality and accountability. There are many issues here: workload, pay, travel expenses, standards of care and absenteeism. We need to reform the community and homecare system. We need to improve working conditions and training regulations and we must standardise the level of care for people being minded at home.

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