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HSE Home Support Service: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how the HSE Home Support Service provides personal care assistance for older people living at home in Ireland.

The HSE Home Support Service provides assistance to help older people manage their daily lives while staying in their own homes. This service focuses on helping individuals maintain their independence and dignity through practical assistance with personal care.

Who it's for

This scheme is specifically designed for older people who require extra support to manage their daily activities. If you are finding it increasingly difficult to carry out routine tasks on your own, this service is intended to help you stay in your own home rather than moving into residential care.

What you get

The primary benefit is receiving help from a trained carer. These carers visit you in your home to assist with essential personal care tasks. This support is designed to help you manage the physical demands of daily living so that you can continue to live as independently as possible in your own environment.

What it costs you

Accessing this service involves a formal evaluation process. You will need to undergo an assessment conducted by a public health nurse. This professional will review your specific needs to determine the level of support required to help you manage at home.

The catch to know

While the service is a vital resource, it is important to plan ahead. There can be very long waiting lists for this support, so it is best to begin the process as soon as you realize you or a loved one may need assistance.

How to apply

  1. Reach out to your local health office to initiate a request for support.
  2. Coordinate with a public health nurse to complete your formal assessment.
  3. Review the results of the assessment to see what level of care is assigned to you.
  4. Wait for the service to be scheduled according to the current availability.

For more information and to start the process, visit the official portal: https://www2.hse.ie/services/home-support/