Recruitment crisis leaves nearly 1,500 people without homecare in Cork and Kerry

One elderly couple — where the woman is bed-bound due to illness and her husband is caring for her almost alone — have been offered one hour a day of help

Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is running a recruitment campaign for carers, saying they offer a salary of scale of €31,723 to €40,738 with paid travel time and expenses.

Almost 1,500 people are waiting for homecare in Cork and Kerry, including two people waiting a year, as the crisis in recruitment continues. 

In the last two years, 277 carers resigned or retired in this region alone, with more leaving last year than the year before. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) said staff shortages, despite improved salary and working conditions, are the only reason for this long list.