Taoiseach Michéal Martin has welcomed the announcement of 1,000 new jobs on offer by a leading provider of home care services for the elderly.
ome Instead today announced that it is seeking 1,000 caregiver roles nationwide to complement its existing workforce of 4,000 caregivers.
The Dublin-based company currently provides non-medical homecare support to 7,000 people across Ireland and projects the need for such services will intensify over the coming decades as the global population aged 65 and over is set to more than double by 2050.
“The number of people over the age of 65 in Ireland is expected to reach 1.4 million by 2040, with even greater growth expected in the population aged 80 and over.
“This change has the potential for the biggest impact on health services overall,” said Home Instead chief operating officer Shane Jennings.
“As life expectancy increases in Ireland, so too does the need for quality home care – and quality home carers, the new jobs we are creating will help us to build our caregiving workforce of the future, and is also testament to the hard work of our caregivers and team in our 25 offices around the country.”
Mr Martin, meanwhile, said: “Supporting older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence, for as long as possible, is a priority for this Government. The Covid-19 pandemic has again highlighted the vital work that caregivers do in our communities.
“I welcome this announcement from Home Instead creating 1,000 new caregiving jobs.
“We know that in the years ahead, Ireland, like so many countries, will face the challenge of an ageing population. Home care can play an increasingly important role in providing care to our oldest and most vulnerable citizens, many of whom would like to continue living in their homes and communities.
“These new 1,000 Home Instead jobs come at a vital time for the country – not only as we look to build our future home care needs, but as we look to rebuild the economy as we emerge from the pandemic.”
The roles on offer will be available at the local level in both rural and urban settings nationwide.