Kilkenny families caring for loved ones left ‘begging’ for help amid ‘major’ shortages

Kilkenny families who are caring for their elders at home are facing “stress and anxiety” over staff shortages, the Dáil has heard.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere raised the issue during a debate on the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025.

Deputy Cleere said he was “delighted” to get the opportunity to speak on the bill and commended the Government’s work with regards to home support.

However, he highlighted a number of issues faced by families in Kilkenny who are caring for elderly loved ones.

The Fianna Fáil TD said: “First and foremost, funding and resources are major concerns. Many home care providers struggle to secure adequate funding to meet the needs of their clients.

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“Current Government supports often fall short, leaving both care workers and recipients in precarious situations.

“Many families are forced to pick up the financial burden, which can lead to stress and anxiety.”

He went on to describe what he believes is the biggest challenge facing home care services.

He stated: “For me, the biggest challenge is the workforce shortage. Recruiting and retaining qualified home care givers is becoming increasingly difficult.

“In my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, the HSE is at full capacity in terms of what it can do on the home care side of things.

“It outsources to different providers but still every single week I have somebody in touch with me who has challenges.

“They have the hours approved and are delighted to have them approved but the workforce is not there to meet the demand.”

Deputy Cleere highlighted how this is a particular issue in rural parts of the county and gave two examples of women in the constituency who have faced problems getting the carers they need.

He continued: “We also have to consider the emotional and psychological challenges for families and care givers alike with the stress, pressure and anxiety these families are under.

“By the time they come to me they are on their knees. They are nearly begging.

“These people are going to the wall themselves but they need that bit of hope and support. The right to be in your own home is huge. That is really important.

“Addressing the challenges in home care and home help packages is not just about improving services but it is about enhancing quality of life for our elderly and for our vulnerable populations.”

Deputy Cleere concluded by saying he believes the bill will make a big difference to families in Kilkenny and Carlow.