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?

What to Expect from Homecare: Our Guide for Families

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

What to Expect from Homecare: Our Guide for Families

Homecare, also known as domiciliary care, is health care that is provided in the home of a loved one. This type of care is typically provided by a professional homecare provider such as a nurse or home healthcare professional. Homecare services can range from basic assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, to more complex medical care such as medication management and physical therapy. If you are looking for homecare for your loved one, it is important to be provided with the right, helpful information. It is good to know what to expect from homecare and our guide for families will help you through the process so the best quality of care is provided for you and your loved one.

Did You Know?

According to a recent report, demand for homecare will increase by 50% over the next eleven years.

Myhomecare and what to expect from homecare

Professional and Compassionate Care

Homecare providers are trained and licensed professionals who are committed to providing quality care with respect and compassion. Being a naturally caring and compassionate person is essential for this kind of profession as it entails working with a range of clients with different medical conditions and needs.

Professional care can be in the form of providing pharmacy medication services. For many people it can be inconvenient to attend a pharmacy to collect medication. To reduce this inconvenience, Myhomecare give the option of getting all your prescriptions delivered straight to your door. Our fully qualified garda vetted pharmacy medication services dispensing team ensure that medication is dispensed accurately and efficiently each and every time. 

What Myhomecare look for in their carers:

– Have completed a carer course.
– Are a caring person and have a genuine interest in helping others.
– Have experience of caring for a loved one.

Homecare can also provide companionship for loved ones who may feel isolated or lonely. This can include conversation, games, and other social activities. It is an important profession that requires skill as well as a caring attitude. Homecare agencies should also make sure they have clear communication channels with your loved one and their family members. This can include regular updates on your loved one’s condition, changes in the care plan, and any concerns or questions. These qualities are what make a great caregiver who is professional and full of compassionate care.

Peace of Mind

Homecare can provide access to safety from medical professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. This type of care is great for those who need medical care from the comfort of their own home. At Myhomecare, a dedicated team of healthcare professionals provide 24 hour care for an unlimited period in your own home, offering an alternative to being placed in a care home. This gives you the peace of mind that help is always on hand for your loved one.

Myhomecare are partnered with Isaac Care, to bring peace of mind with innovative and easy-to-use assistive technology to clients nationwide.

Myhomecare and Isaac Care

Isaac Care’s technology allows us to provide wraparound 24/7 support to clients and provides comfort and peace of mind when our dedicated homecare staff and family members can’t be present

A Personalised Homecare Plan

A homecare plan that is focused on your loves one’s specific health problems or disabilities is a personalised care plan. It outlines the services and care that your loved one needs. It is tailored to their unique health issues and concerns. It may also include services such as assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and transportation. The plan should be developed with input from your loved one, the family, and the health care team. It should also be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it is meeting your loved one’s needs.

At Myhomecare each client has their own needs and requirements which is why we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach.

Our tailor-made homecare services and packages cover a wide range of services from basic home help and befriending to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge.

Overall, homecare can provide a wide range of professional services to help patients stay comfortable, provide peace of mind for families and a personalised homecare plan to provide for their needs. The importance of providing adequate homecare is essential no matter what the situation is. Every family requires different kinds of services and levels of assistance depending on their needs.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way.

The Benefits of Homecare for Seniors: Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

The Benefits of Homecare for Seniors: Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life

Are you looking for ways to ensure that your elderly loved one is looked after? One of the best options is homecare. It has a range of benefits, not only does it keep your loved one safe but it also enables them to remain comfortable and independent in their own homes. It allows for personalised care from trained caregivers while ensuring a good quality of life. Homecare for seniors is important as care itself is an inevitable part of aging. Here are some key benefits on how homecare for seniors helps to maintain independence and a better quality of life.

Maintaining Independence

One of the key benefits of homecare for your loved one is that it allows them to maintain their independence, which is extremely important in life for everyone. When this sense of independence is provided, they are able to live with dignity in their own homes. They are then safe in the knowledge that they will receive the best possible care. Aging can bring with it various health challenges such as mobility issues, and other conditions that can make it difficult for your loved one to live on their own. However, with homecare, your loved one can receive the support they need while still living independently. In fact, evidence has shown that people are happier and live longer within their own homes. 

Here are some ways homecare can help your loved one maintain their independence:

Personal care: Support bathing, dressing and grooming.
Mobility support: Support getting in and out of bed, walking, and using a wheelchair.
Medication management: Managing their medications, ensuring they are taking their medications as prescribed.
Home safety: Making their homes safer, such as installing grab bars, modifying bathrooms, and removing tripping hazards.

Home care nurse giving medication to an elderly man medica

Your loved one can continue to live in their own homes and carry out their daily routines with the help of a caregiver. Homecare services can also be tailored to meet the individual needs of your loved one allowing them to retain a sense of familiarity.

At Myhomecare, each client has their own needs and requirements which is why we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. Our tailor-made homecare services and bespoke packages cover a wide range of services from basic home help, to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge.

Home care worker visiting elderly woman

Myhomecare can offer routine medical services such as vaccinations or pharmacy deliveries in the comfort of your loved one’s home. Myhomecare also works with medical practitioners and suppliers to provide a wide range of supportive solutions such as home adaptations, essential medical supplies and partnership with your primary care team.


Myhomecare’s Technology for Independence

Myhomecare’s combined approach to care and technology supports independence for all age groups. Caregivers and nurses promote the use of app technology which features reminders for appointments, low-intensity exercise programmes and medication reminders.

At Myhomecare, we believe in providing the highest quality care and support services to our clients 24/7. This is why we have partnered with Isaac Care, a world class assistive technology solution. Isaac Care supports independence by combining care and technology, including monitoring health and wellbeing, a fall alarm and a circle of care app. 

Myhomecare’s Isaac Care:

Isaac Care provides a complete wraparound service, including remote health monitoring with 24/7 support, underpinned by a network of dedicated personal carers.
This allows your loved one to feel safe at home while they live independently.

Isaac Care App for Independence

Providing independence to your loved one can have numerous benefits. It is important that they are provided with a standard of life they wish to live, growing old should not mean a lesser life. With sufficient homecare and assisted living technology, they can maintain their sense of self while having sufficient support when needed.


Quality of Life

Senior man in wheelchair with home care provider

Being able to provide your loved one with the best quality of life is something every family wishes for. When your loved one can perform tasks and carry out activities when they want, safe in the knowledge care is available to them, this greatly enhances their state of wellbeing. By providing the below, homecare can significantly help loved ones live their lives to the fullest.

Homecare tailored to the individual needs and preferences for your loved one. This helps ensure they receive the specific support they need.

Personalised Care

Personalised Care

With homecare, your loved one can receive care in their own homes, promoting a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Comfort and Convenience

Comfort and Convenience

Homecare providers can assist your loved one with hobbies such as gardening, painting and playing games. Helping them maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Hobbies and Interests

Hobbies and Interests

As your loved one receives the support they need to manage their health conditions in their own homes, their health outcomes and overall quality of life are greatly improved.

Reduced Hospitalisations

Reduced Hospitalisations

Homecare provides your loved one with a familiar and comfortable environment, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness. They can continue to enjoy their hobbies or can keep visiting friends and family. Homecare providers can also provide companionship, which is important for overall mental and emotional well-being. By giving families that reassurance, they are then provided with a peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is being taken care of and is safe in their own home. This takes the stress off of an otherwise worrying situation. Here is a testimonial from one of our happy clients:

Ireen gives my mother the attention she needs, her personal hygiene is especially looked after and she loves the company. Delighted with the service!

Homecare for your loved one can help to maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, provide comfort, offer tailor-made care, and provide peace of mind. If you are considering homecare for your loved one, be sure to do your research and find a reputable provider, allowing your loved one to be taken care of in the best possible way.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way.

Careers In Independent Living

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Independent Living Careers

Independent living doesn’t mean you have to be alone. There is support on hand if you ever need it in the form of homecare. Living alone can be challenging but homecare combined with assistive technology allows the elderly and vulnerable to carry on with their lives as independently as they can but with the knowledge that help is available. 
 
Homecare services have been designed to assist expecting mothers, babies, and young and older adults from birth to retirement and beyond. There are a variety of fulfilling careers that focus on helping people to live independently. The importance of homecare workers cannot be underestimated, you get to give back to your community and care for people in a very special way indeed. A career in independent living is very rewarding, allowing you to help people maintain their independence and dignity. 

Data from 2019 shows 65,247 people aged 65+ were in receipt of home support, both public and private, resulting in 24.7 million home support hours. This number is growing which means there is always a demand for more carers within the workforce. 

Myhomecare is a HSE recognised national supplier of homecare. Established in 2006 by Servisource Recruitment, it employs over 220 staff, including administrative staff as well as homecare workers. 
If you are interested in helping people live independently, you can explore an array of jobs within the following fields: domestic home support, tracheostomy homecare, mental healthcare, pediatric care and palliative care among others. 

Reasons to Work in Homecare 

  • A rewarding career 
  •  Flexible hours 
  • Create bonds with people 
  • Supportive team atmosphere 
  • Giving back to the community
  • Develop valuable clinical skills

There are a range of different jobs on offer throughout Ireland.

Some available positions include:

Homecare Nurses

Homecare Assistants

Personal Care Assistants

Myhomecare partnered with Isaac Care

Carer helping in independent living

As well as in-person care, Myhomecare has partnered up with the Isaac Care, creating a complete independent living solution. Isaac Care is a complete solution designed to assist people safely and independently in their own home. Combining our Circle of Care app, with assistive technology and a complete wraparound care service, Isaac Care offers you the support you need for the hours of the day when homecare and family carers can’t be with you. Giving you reassurance that Isaac Care’s expert team are on hand whenever you need them. 
 

Isaac Care is proud to be partnered with Myhomecare. Myhomecare currently holds the International Gold Seal in quality by JCI. They are one of an exclusive group of 24 Homecare companies globally who have attained the required standard and the only one in Ireland in our sector. This accreditation demonstrates the excellence in service delivery from the Myhomecare team and their dedication to their staff, clients and their families.

“Knowing that your time with them makes a huge difference to their day and that they look forward to seeing you is such a great feeling.”

Lisa Brazil,
Myhomecare Carer

If you feel like helping people is the job for you, why not give a job in homecare a try. There are a range of courses to choose and there is bound to be one suited to your needs.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on +1 800 400 900 or email us info@www.myhomecare.ie and one of our team will be in touch.