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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.

Myhomecare’s Care Academy

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.