Deputy Michael Lowry has welcomed the decision by the Government to increase the amount paid to HSE funded Carers to a rate of €13.10 per hour and the inclusion of time spent travelling as part of their work. However, Deputy Lowry describes plans to cut the number of Home Support Hours allocated to those receiving care as a retrograde decision.
The increased pay is intended to address a recruitment and retention crisis.
Deputy Lowry says the level of support provided should be increasing instead of decreasing to benefit the recipient and for the greater good of society enabling a person to live at home for as long as possible.
Having an adequate Home Care and Home help service is vital for the quality of life for the patient, but it is also more cost-effective from a healthcare perspective according to Deputy Lowry. The Regional Independents Group says positive reforms of the Home Care and Home Help Service will be pursued with the Government in Budget submissions later this year
