Hidden truth

ALMOST a year after disputing a report of “large scale inefficiencies and a complete absence of regulation” in home care for the elderly, the HSE is finally to begin a review into the standard of care being provided to 65,000 people looked after in their own homes.

Last February, a report by the Irish Private Home Care Association claimed a lack of regulation meant “a total of 57,581 seniors are availing of home care that is not monitored to ensure they receive quality home care services”.

At the time, the Health Service Executive said that while it acknowledged that there was no statutory basis for regulation and inspection of home care services, “the HSE does supervise its home help staff”.