Waiting list for a home carer in Sligo-Leitrim increased by 66% in 12 months

The waiting list of people in need of a home carer in Sligo-Leitrim increased by two thirds (66%) between the end of December 2021 and December 2022 according to data compiled by Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI).

HCCI’s newly launched ‘Home Care Data Series – The Waiting List issue’ shows that the waiting list of people in need of a carer stands at 6,673 as of December 2022; a 25% increase nationally since the end of December 2021.

The HSE Home Support waiting list for Sligo-Leitrim for 2022 versus 2021 shows there were 58 persons waiting for a carer at the end of 2021 and that figure rose to 96 by the end of 2022, an increase of 38, representing 66%.

Cavan-Monaghan had a waiting list of 222 at the end of 2021 and this had risen to 390 by the end of the following year, showing a 76% increase.

Roscommon showed a reduction from 127 to 115, a 9% decrease.

Donegal, however, jumped from 85 to 249 which equates to a 193% increase.

Longford-Westmeath decreased from 113 to 62 (-45%)

Joseph Musgrave, CEO, HCCI said, “Demand for home care remains strong and the recruitment crisis for both private home care providers and the HSE continues unabated.

“Simple changes to social welfare rules allowing existing carers to work a few more hours per week without losing social welfare benefits would wipe out the waiting list and provide home care for all those who need it.

“We know carers are eager to work more hours so the solution is in the hands of the Minister for Social Protection.

“We urge Minister Heather Humphreys to permit a temporary suspension of social welfare earning thresholds to allow home carers work just three more hours per week without losing social welfare benefits.

“The dramatic increase in waiting list figures outlined in our report should serve as a stark warning for the future if measures to address capacity within the sector are not implemented.

“Simply allowing 6,000 home care workers – or half of the 12,000 carers employed in private sector - to take on three additional hours of work per week would provide one million more home care hours this year (18k hours per week). We are providing a solution here to Government and we need them to think outside the box.

“The solution is simple and workable and would make a huge difference to those who need support to stay living in the comfort of their own home and community.”