Growing demand for home carers

THE business of caring is expected to grow by leaps bounds over the next decade and beyond.

Approximately 161,000 people identify themselves as carers in Ireland, according to the most recent Census.

Most carers (62%) are females, providing an average of 24 hours of care per week. By 2021, if current ratios persist, there will be a requirement for over 205,000 carers, up 28%.