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%.

Fuelling the demand in this job sector will be the growing number of older adults who may be plagued with health problems and need assistance with activities of daily living. By 2026, the over-75 population will more than triple in Ireland alone.

Home Instead Senior Care has 17 independently owned and operated franchises throughout the country. It employs almost 1,500 caregivers and has cared for almost 3,000 people and is now set for further growth.

“These caregivers are the foundation of this company and without them none of our growth as a company would be possible,” said Home Instead Senior Care chief Ed Murphy said.

A survey found 92% of its caregivers are female.