How Myhomecare is Supporting Independent Living and Connections This Christmas

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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?

Myhomecare Attend The HCCI Home Care Awards 2024

The Care Academy Graduation 2024
The Care Academy Graduation 2024

Myhomecare Attend The HCCI Home Care Awards 2024

Myhomecare recently celebrated two of our amazing healthcare workers Marianna & Silvia on their nominations at the HCCI Home Care Awards, which took place recently in Dungarvan, Waterford.

About Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI)

HCCI was formed in 2012 to represent private home care providers who wished to benefit from peer to peer learning, to develop best practice, and to work together to advocate for and create the best possible home care landscape across the country. It is the national membership organisation for companies that provide a managed home care service in Ireland, uniting members who directly care for thousands of older and vulnerable people in their homes. 

HCCI Home Care Awards 2024

Silvia and Marianna explain what it means to work in care with Myhomecare:

Highlights From The Night

HCCI Home Care Awards 2024
HCCI Home Care Awards 2024
HCCI Home Care Awards 2024

Myhomecare want to congratulate Silvia and Marianna on this fantastic accomplishment and wish them the best of luck on their career journeys.

Myhomecare provides the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place. 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.

If you aspire to work in care, Myhomecare can lead you on the way to a fulfilling career in healthcare.

Join Our Award-Winning Homecare Team Today

What Happens if an Elderly Person Has No One to Care for Them?

The Benefits of Homecare for People of All Ages
The Benefits of Homecare for People of All Ages

What Happens if an Elderly Person Has No One to Care for Them?

As people grow older, their needs often change and they may rely on loved ones to help with the challenges that aging can bring. However, family or friends may not be available to provide support and what happens if an elderly person has no one to care for them? Without adequate assistance, a range of difficulties can occur, impacting health, safety, and quality of life. Homecare provides an option whereby the right care can be provided in the comfort of the home, designed for personal care needs, creating peace of mind.

Homecare with 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.
• Our carers enjoy their roles and remain working with us, so you have a familiar face who knows your specific needs and routines.

Contact Myhomecare today and see how it can benefit you and your loved one.

Physical Health Challenges

For elderly individuals, physical health concerns can increase without someone to monitor or assist them. They are more susceptible to illnesses, falls, and injuries, and medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis often require consistent management.
Without someone to regularly check in, health conditions can go unnoticed until they become severe. A minor infection may go untreated and turn into a serious health risk. The risk of falls is also a major concern; an elderly person who falls without someone nearby may face hours or even days without help, resulting in critical complications.

Myhomecare’s Comfort Plan

Myhomecare’s Comfort Plan allows individuals to choose two pieces of Isaac Care assistive technologies as an introductory offer with expert advice from our team who are there to assist you with selecting the most appropriate technology for your loved one. This includes a Fall Alarm as well as 24/7 Call Centre Support. Find out more about Myhomecare’s collaboration with Isaac Care.

Myhomecare Testimonials

“I am delighted and more importantly my mother is over the moon with the care she receives, we would love to have Siobhan our Carer around more. I want to thank Myhomecare for a brilliant service”.
Ann

“I have arthritis in my hands and as it has got worse I am unable to drive my car.  With the help of Joan from www.myhomecare.ie I have been able to get around and continue my life as normal.”
Margaret

Mental and Emotional Health Risks

Isolation poses severe risks for mental and emotional well-being. Loneliness is a common experience for elderly people without family or friends nearby. Without companionship or daily engagement, they may struggle with motivation, leading to poor self-care habits such as neglecting exercise, nutrition, or hygiene. Homecare can reduce these feelings of isolation and lend emotional support on a daily basis. Even a quick chat can make someone’s day when living alone.

Daily Life Challenges

In addition to health concerns, seniors without support often face practical daily challenges. Financial management, for instance, can become difficult for those who may no longer have the cognitive ability or awareness to handle bills or budgeting.
Mobility is another concern. Many elderly individuals lose the ability to drive or walk long distances, which can limit their access to groceries or medical appointments. This is where homecare can help by assisting with running errands and daily household chores.

Elderly man, care worker and home care

At Myhomecare, we provide a service to all individuals who may suffer with a disability whether it is physical, mental or emotional and have a range of homecare options available. No one should have to face the challenges of aging alone. Without proper support, elderly individuals are at greater risk of physical and mental health decline, financial exploitation, and a diminished quality of life. Taking proactive steps to offer the right care from the right people is something every individual deserves, regardless of family circumstances, allowing them to age with dignity and security.

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