€150m venture for elderly launched

COMFORT KEEPERS, a new for-profit private sector venture set to offer “companionship and non-medical care” to elderly people in their own homes, was launched yesterday by Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney.

The aim of the initiative is to allow older people to remain living at home for longer. The venture is a US-established international franchise.

The €150 million Irish franchise will be operated by the Elder Healthcare Group, which operates nursing homes in the mid-west. The group plans to open 10 offices by 2008 and employ up to 1,000 part-time workers.