Care Day 2025

Care Day 2024
Care Day 2024

Care Day 2025

Care Day 2025 is held today February 21st and it is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the important work of caregivers. The theme for this year’s Care Day is: “Voices from care, ripples of change”. Care Day demonstrates the transformative power of hearing directly from those with care experience as every carer’s story has the potential to create waves of meaningful impact.

Many families are turning to homecare as a way to provide the best possible support for their loved ones. Homecare is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages who want the comfort and convenience of receiving professional health services in a familiar environment, without sacrificing quality medical attention. There are many benefits for people of all ages, from young children right through to seniors. It is a rewarding profession that provides the ability to remain independent at home and empowers clients to live with dignity in the knowledge that they will receive the best possible care in the right place at the right time.

The Benefits of Working as a Caregiver

Becoming a social care worker or caregiver offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path, characterised by a profound impact on individuals and communities alike. With a growing emphasis on compassionate and person-centered care, it plays a pivotal role in supporting vulnerable populations, fostering inclusion, and promoting social justice. Working in various settings such as residential care homes, community centers, or domiciliary/homecare is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, providing vital assistance with daily tasks, emotional support, and advocacy. It offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, enabling caregivers to enhance their skills and make a tangible difference in the lives of others while contributing positively to society.

  • Impactful Relationships: Caregivers have the privilege of forming deep connections with those they assist, fostering trust, companionship, and mutual respect. These relationships often transcend the boundaries of professional care, enriching both the caregiver and the individual receiving care.
  • Sense of Purpose: There is immense satisfaction in knowing this work has a meaningful purpose – to enhance the independence, dignity, and comfort of vulnerable individuals. This sense of purpose drives dedication and commitment to the role.
  • Contributing to Society: This profession plays an essential role in supporting the most vulnerable members of society, contributing to the overall well-being and inclusivity of communities. Their work not only benefits individuals on a personal level but also contributes to the broader social fabric by promoting empathy and compassion.
  • Variety and Challenge: Every day as a caregiver presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether it’s adapting to different care needs, problem-solving in complex situations, or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, caregivers are constantly learning and evolving in their practice.

Inspiring Voices of Care

Care Day 2024

I was a natural caregiver from a young age and helped to look after my younger siblings growing up, taking on a lot of the caring and household responsibilities. I felt like I had found my life’s calling as I was always caring for someone in some way. Once I became a mother and my youngest son had started school, I had to consider myself and my career path as I had put it on hold so many times. I then looked at gaining some qualifications and signed up for my QQI level 5 healthcare support major award which I passed with a Distinction. I then joined the Myhomecare team in September 2021 as a community HCA, this enabled me to manage my family and work life efficiently as I was able to control my own work schedule. I felt like I had found my life’s calling as I was always caring for someone in some way.

The Importance of Homecare

Whether a senior, someone living with a disability, or a busy family in need of support, homecare services can be tailored to meet all individual needs. Personalised care allows the caregiver to understand the unique circumstances of the person they are looking after, and provide for them in the best way possible. The approach to creating care plans goes beyond a person’s surface needs and takes their preferences, cultural background, interests and routines into account. Homecare is not just about keeping someone safe, it is about enhancing the quality of life and helps to remove any feelings of loneliness or isolation.

  • Flexibility: Homecare adapts to changing circumstances and evolving needs. Care plans can be modified as the individual’s health status changes, ensuring that they continue to receive appropriate care and support. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with progressive conditions or recovering from surgery or illness.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Providers take cultural and personal preferences into account when delivering care as they become familiar with the individual. This sensitivity to cultural, dietary, and religious considerations can lead to better, individualised care.
  • Comprehensive Services: Agencies often offer a wide range of services, including personal care, companionship, medication management, physical therapy, and specialised care for conditions like dementia or diabetes. These services can be combined and customised to address an individual’s specific health and lifestyle requirements.
  • Lower Overhead Costs: Homecare agencies do not have the same overhead costs as hospitals or long-term care facilities. They don’t need to pay for utilities on a massive scale, or provide round-the-clock staffing in the same way. This results in lower operating costs.
  • Reduced Hospital Readmissions: It can help prevent hospital readmissions by providing ongoing monitoring and care management. Hospital readmissions can be expensive, and reducing them can lead to significant cost savings for both patients and the healthcare systems.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Care can be scheduled as needed, providing flexibility. This can be more cost-effective than paying for 24/7 care in a facility, especially if the individual only requires assistance for a few hours a day.

Working as a caregiver is a uniquely fulfilling profession that offers a blend of personal satisfaction and professional growth. Homecare forges meaningful relationships with clients, creating a positive impact on individuals’ lives. There’s a profound sense of purpose in this profession where it directly enhances the lives of those in need.

With each day presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth, caregivers navigate diverse care needs with empathy and dedication, contributing to the fabric of inclusive and supportive communities.

Interested in a profession as a caregiver with Myhomecare?

How Myhomecare is Supporting Independent Living and Connections This Christmas

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

How Myhomecare is Supporting Independent Living and Connections This Christmas

As families across Ireland prepare for Christmas, a recent survey conducted by Myhomecare, Ireland’s only JCI-accredited homecare provider, highlights the significant challenges older people face in maintaining health, independence, and social connection.  Our survey highlights the vital role of carers in ensuring comfort, safety, and connection over the festive season and underscores the vital role of homecare services, particularly during the holidays, when loneliness and isolation can be most keenly felt. The survey conducted by Myhomecare was issued to over 1000 Myhomecare clients with 837 respondents so far. With these newfound results, the following highlights how Myhomecare is supporting independent living and connections this Christmas.

7 in 10 (72%) of respondents will spend Christmas with family, supported by the care and dedication of homecare assistants. More than 1 in 10 (14%) remain unsure of their plans, and more than 1 in 10 (14%) will spend Christmas with only their carer as a primary point of contact.   

Highlights From Our Survey

  • 3 in 10 (31%) of respondents struggle with personal care.
  • 2 in 10 (20%) cite meal preparation as a key challenge.
  • 2 in 10 (21%) use meals-on-wheel services.
  • Nearly 2 in 10 (18%) reporting challenges in maintaining regular contact with loved ones.
  • 4 in 10 (40%) of respondents experience long waiting times for hospital consultations.
  • 3 in 10 (30%) struggle to schedule convenient appointments.

Deirdre Doyle, Senior Manager at Myhomecare:

Myhomecare’s passionate, highly trained carers provide essential support to clients not only during Christmas but throughout the year. Through our Winter Plan, we play a role at every stage of the patient journey, ensuring comfort, safety, and connection during this time of increased demand. Our carers, supported with industry leading training through the Myhomecare Care Academy, are dedicated to providing patient centred care, enabling clients to maintain their independence, and offer much needed companionship, with 23% of our clients relying solely on homecare support as their connection to the community.

The Myhomecare Care Academy provides subsidised courses, including Care of the Older Person, Care Skills, Infection Prevention and Control, and Dementia Awareness, allowing carers to grow in their roles while positively impacting the lives of those they support.    

At the heart of Myhomecare are the carers—dedicated, compassionate individuals who bring vital care and connection to clients, particularly during the holidays. Myhomecare’s Care Academy equips carers with the highest standard of training and upskilling opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver exceptional care.    

Myhomecare’s Collaborations

Servisource’s Myhomecare Winter Plan emphasises “A Role to Play at Every Stage” of the patient journey, from birth to end of life. With comprehensive resources across all divisions, Myhomecare alleviates pressure on healthcare facilities by delivering Home First care, rapid post-hospital support, and advanced remote care solutions, ensuring the right care is provided in the right place.

As part of this approach, Myhomecare’s blended model of care and long-standing partnership with Isaac Care, ensures clients benefit from revolutionary assistive technology such as fall alarms and health monitoring devices, providing added peace of mind and safety.  

Advantages of Homecare

  • Remaining in Familiar Surroundings: One of the most significant advantages of homecare is that it enables individuals, particularly seniors, to stay in their own homes. Allowing a sense of independence and control over their living environment.
  • Preserving Daily Routines: Loved ones can wake up and go to bed at their preferred times, eat the foods they enjoy, and engage in activities that give them a sense of purpose. This consistency can be reassuring and comforting, especially for those dealing with cognitive conditions like dementia.
  • Emotional Comfort: Being in a home environment can provide emotional comfort. Home is where individuals have made memories and feel safe, and this sense of comfort can be particularly crucial for individuals and those dealing with health challenges.
  • Familiarity: It allows individuals to be surrounded by their belongings, pets, and loved ones. These familiar elements can bring a deep sense of comfort, reassurance, and happiness.

“Having my carer visit means I have someone to talk to, someone to rely on. It makes Christmas feel a little less lonely.”    
Survey respondent

The Benefits of Homecare for People of All Ages

This Christmas, Myhomecare continues to exemplify the transformative power of homecare in enhancing the lives of older individuals across Ireland. From enabling clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes to fostering vital social connections, Myhomecare’s dedicated carers provide unwavering support when it’s needed most.

Through innovative solutions like the Care Academy and assistive technology with the Isaac Care partnership, Myhomecare is empowering clients to maintain their independence and dignity while alleviating pressure on healthcare facilities. As the festive season shines a spotlight on the importance of togetherness, Myhomecare remains steadfast in its mission to bring peace of mind and the gift of care to those who rely on its services, ensuring no one feels alone during this special time of year.

Want to know more about our homecare services?

The Care Academy Graduation 2024

The Care Academy Graduation 2024
The Care Academy Graduation 2024

The Care Academy Graduation 2024

Myhomecare recently held The Care Academy Graduation 2024 where the graduations of five members of the team from Myhomecare’s Care Academy were celebrated.

The Care Academy focuses on improving the quality of existing staff by providing upskilling opportunities, allowing those who want to advance their career in healthcare an advantageous starting point. It provides a range of courses for those working in the homecare industry from office staff to frontline staff, as well as those who desire a career in homecare. With just one year’s prior caring experience, an aspiring carer can avail of The Care Academy’s subsidised courses and have that fulfilling career within our supportive team.

Subsidised courses include: Staff Induction Training, Care of the Older Person, Care Skills, Infection Prevention and Control and Dementia Awareness, to name a few, and are delivered as standard to all Myhomecare staff.

Myhomecare’s Operations Lead, Deirdre Doyle, is extremely proud of everyone that graduated and the amazing opportunities The Care Academy offers. The Myhomecare team will support them every step of the way.
Find Out More

The Care Academy Graduation 2024

Myhomecare’s Area Manager Louise Keogh highlights the importance of our Care Academy & the opportunities it provides for Nurses & Homecare Assistants to ensure that they are fully qualified to provide service to our clients & their families.

Carers are in high demand in Ireland and it is an exciting and fulfilling career with the opportunity to support individuals and allow them to live in the comfort of their own homes.

59% of Irish people think they will need care in older age.

Highlights From The Day

The Care Academy Graduation 2024
The Care Academy Graduation 2024
The Care Academy Graduation 2024
The Care Academy Graduation 2024

Myhomecare Testimonials

“I feel very proud to be one of the Myhomecare employees. The company leadership recognise and appreciate employees dedication and hard work.”

Monica Alabi

Homecare assistant

“It’s lovely getting to know my clients so well and knowing that I make a difference in their lives. I have been so happy in my working life since joining Servisource.”

Ann Quirke

homecare assistant

There has always been a particular emphasis on upskilling and career progression within Myhomecare with exceptional ongoing training provided and further supported by Servisource’s Training department. Myhomecare have developed their strong training programmes into The Care Academy enveloping all the training frontline staff need to progress within their career. A comprehensive catalogue of training courses is available to support frontline staff in providing the highest quality of service, where they can train, develop and coach care workers throughout each stage of their careers.

Myhomecare want to congratulate all of the graduates and wish them the best of luck on their career journeys. If you aspire to work in care, then The Care Academy can cater to you and lead you on your way with your career in the healthcare industry.

Join Our Award-Winning Homecare Team Today

Carers Week 2024 Celebrated at Myhomecare

National Carers Week 2024
National Carers Week 2024

Celebrating National Carers Week 2024 at Myhomecare

Carers Week is dedicated to recognizing and supporting the incredible work performed by carers.

This year, National Carers Week has joined forces with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, along with their Partner Organisations; The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Irish Cancer Society, Central Remedial Clinic, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, Disability Federation Ireland, Irish Hospice Foundation.

The theme for this year is #MakingCaringVisible, and in celebration of this, Myhomecare has chosen to put the spotlight on some of our exceptional carers, showcasing their dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those they care for.

Join Our Award-Winning Homecare Team Today

If you would like to join our award-winning homecare team or start your carer in caring contact us today!

Laísa Matos

Carers Name: Laísa Matos
Location: DML

A female carer
Q. Why did you choose a career in care?

I chose a career as a caregiver because I consider caring for people to be a beautiful mission, it makes me feel like I make a difference in people‘s lives.

Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?

I like working for Myhomecare because I can count on a team that is completely involved and committed to their work. I feel respected and valued.

Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?

For those who want to work as a carer, I would say be responsible and kind to your clients, create bonds and treat them as you would want other people to treat your mother, brother or grandparents.

Courtney Flynn

Carers Name: Courtney Flynn
Location: Dublin North East

Click on the video below to hear Courtney’s story


Lisa Brazil

Carers Name: Lisa Brazil
Location: South of Ireland

A female carer
Q. Why did you choose a career in care?

I decided to become a carer as I love working with older people.
I find it very rewarding.
Enabling people to stay in their own homes.

Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?

I love working with Myhomecare as we are treated very well by the company.

Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?

I would encourage them as it is such a rewarding career.
Working with the vulnerable in your community.
Helping people in the hard time and the happy times.

Audrey Reidy

Carers Name: Audrey Reidy
Location: Limerick / Clare

A female carer
Q. Why did you choose a career in care?

I started caring for a family member who developed Alzheimer’s in their late 80’s and took up the role of being a fulltime carer for them.

I enjoyed helping a family member who was in need of assistance and it was really rewarding as I started to notice the impact my support had on their life.

Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?

The hours are flexible and the management team are always on the other end of the phone to help with any queries or for a simple chat.

Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?

You would need to ask yourself if you are a patient, helpful, caring and a kind individual willing to make a difference to vulnerable people.
Every day is different, but you finish your day knowing that you have made a difference to another person. It’s a rewarding job and that’s what I like about being a carer.

John Walsh

Carers Name: John Walsh
Location: West of Ireland

A male carer
Q. Why did you choose a career in care?

I chose a career in care because I have always been deeply moved by the struggles of those who are facing health challenges.

Every person deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported, especially during their most vulnerable times. Being able to provide comfort, understanding, and assistance to those who are sick is a privilege and an honour.

Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?

What I enjoy most about working with Myhomecare is the incredible sense of friendship and camaraderie that exists among all the staff and management.

We are like a close-knit family, always supporting and encouraging each other. This positive and collaborative environment allows us to provide the best possible care for our clients.

Knowing that we are all in this together, working towards a common goal of improving our clients’ lives, makes every day rewarding and fulfilling. It’s truly inspiring to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate team.

Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?

To anyone interested in a career in care, my advice would be to embrace the journey with an open heart and a compassionate spirit. This field is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires patience, empathy, and resilience. Remember that your kindness and dedication can profoundly impact the lives of those you care for.

Also, cherish the relationships you build with both your clients and your colleagues—these connections will provide you with invaluable support and a sense of community.

Always be willing to learn and grow, and don’t hesitate to lean on your team for advice and encouragement. Your commitment to caring for others is truly a gift, and it will bring immense fulfillment to both you and those you help.