A Growing Market
The home care industry is still in its infancy. Within the last couple of decades, the population of the Irish aged 65 and older has started to increase at rates never before seen. That growth will not only continue, it will explode.
There are two reasons for this. First, Baby Boomers – the largest section of the Irish population – are simply getting older. And people aren't just growing older. They're living longer thanks to an increased commitment to health and wellness, as well as the advancement of medicine. As a result, the average life expectancy continues to lengthen. Since 1960, the average life expectancy has increased by ten years for females and fourteen years for males.
This increased life expectancy will lead to a larger population of seniors, many of whom will need assistance in order to remain independent.
The changing demographics is putting pressure on our health system. The Minister told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children that hospitals are under particular pressure because the population is continuing to grow and age.
"Each year an additional 20,000 people are added to the total of those aged over 65 years. To meet these demands in an environment of reduced resources, we must change the way we manage and deliver our services."
The governments Primary Care strategy is seeking to address this through an increased focus on services in the community which includes enhanced non-medical home care services.