Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This issue may become more prevalent as time goes on. It provides me with an opportunity to update the House on the matter. Government policy relating to older people is based on supporting people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. It is widely acknowledged that the home help service is one of the key services in community care. The service is flexible, allowing it to be targeted at those in most need. The service primarily includes the provision of personal care and essential domestic support, mainly for older people. The level of service provided depends on resources available and is provided, depending on local arrangements, by HSE staff or through the use of private or voluntary organisations.

In 2011, there were 3,273,000 home help hours provided to approximately 13,550 clients in the HSE West region. Some 2,300 clients were in receipt of a home care package at the end of 2011. At the end of August 2012, approximately 2,140,000 home help hours were provided for clients in the HSE West region. The number of people in receipt of home help services in the HSE West region at the end of August was 13,365. The vast majority of clients in receipt of services were older persons. I realise I am not answering any of the questions put by the Senator, but it is worth pointing out that the service is not only for older people but for people with disabilities and those with mental health issues. Sometimes families experiencing social difficulties receive such support as well.

There is ongoing monitoring, mainly done through the public health nursing service and by the home help co-ordinators in each area.

As part of the process of ensuring high standards of care, all home-help staff receive training in lifting and manual handling, health and safety, personal care and infection control. All home helps undergo a Garda vetting process.

On indirectly provided services, all organisations are required to sign a service level agreement with the HSE setting out standards of service expected of providers as well as monitoring arrangements, staff training and Garda vetting. The executive also provides, either directly or indirectly through voluntary or private organisations, home care packages. A home care package provides an enhanced level of community services and supports above the normal levels available from mainstream community services. These packages do not replace existing services. At end-August in HSE West, approximately 2,370 persons were in receipt of a home care package.

Following a national procurement process concluded earlier this year, approved external providers of home care packages must meet certain criteria, including requirements on quality, safety and monitoring. This procurement process is part of continuing efforts by the HSE to improve its standards overall for home care. The Government is committed to developing and implementing national standards for home support services, which will be subject to inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority. Primary legislation and resources will be required for the introduction of a statutory regulation system for home care services. The question of possible changes to legislation, including regulation and inspection, for home care services for older persons is under consideration in the context of the need to prioritise legislation for the areas of children and disability. I trust the House will agree that we need to ensure that the highest standard of care will continue to be provided to all in a safe and secure environment. Providing quality and safe care will always remain at the heart of any service provision.

I am not certain that any of that answers the Senator's question but I have taken a note of the matter. He can understand that I would not have that level of detail and it is not right that I should have that level of details. Sometimes to have that sort of detail floating around may not be good. However, I will inquire and find out. Clearly, being able to have that handover is important. As he stated, whether there was an incident, whether the person has a cold or a temperature, or whether the person's behaviour has changed, is vitally important in terms of the person's ability to continue living in his or her own community.