HCA - Home Care Association

Home Care Association (HCA) is the trade association representing private home care providers in Ireland.

Just a few years ago, the only option available if you needed elder home care was to rely on family or friends for assistance. If this option was not available nursing homes were the only choice.

Developments in elder care recognise the wishes of older people who want the benefits of assisted living, but don't want to move out of their home.

The Home Care Association represents quality providers of home care. Our members directly employ, train, background check, supervise and insure caregivers so as to provide a quality service to clients.

Our members

All In Care
Bluebird Care

Caremark

Comfort Keepers

Communicare Agency Ltd

Home Care Independent Living

Home Carers

Home Instead Senior Care

Kare Plan Limited

Moore Hall Healthcare

Sandra Cooney's Home Care

Aims of the Association

The Association is constituted in order to promote the following aims:

To foster and promote high quality standards of home care services
To represent the views of its members on developments affecting the sector
To inform members of developments affecting the sector
To influence the legislative, judicial, and regulatory processes with respect to issues of importance to the home care sector
To promote the training and development for those individuals and organisations which provide home care

Code of Conduct of the Association

In order to further the stated aims of the Association it is a prerequisite for membership that members agree to be bound by the Associations Code of Conduct and to comply with it. These broad principles set the foundation upon which members can provide top quality care in the home.

Clients

Dignity and respect
Each client has the right to dignity and respect.

Information
The client has the right to be informed of the services offered by the home care provider and consequently, be given explanation, in advance, about the service/s that is to be provided, the types of caregivers who will provide care, and the frequency of the visits that are proposed.

Client Assessment
Clients have the right to initial and on-going participation in the development of their plan of care and to be allowed to exercise the full range of care opportunities available to them. In cases where the client is unable to participate fully in forming the plan of care their wishes insofar as they are expressed and are practical should be addressed.

Privacy and Confidentiality
Clients have the right to privacy and confidentiality. Clients have a right to request information held on their case and the clients consent must be sought before any information is communicated to a third party. Client records must be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988.

Complaints
Clients have the right to submit complaints or grievances without fear of retaliation and have them addressed expediently. Members must have suitable procedures in place for recording and resolving complaints received and these procedures should be communicated to clients. Clients have the right to refuse service and should be informed of the consequences of such action.

Operation of the Service

Employment
In order to protect both the client and caregiver all members are obliged to employ all their care givers directly and to ensure that all relevant tax and social insurance obligations are complied with in addition to all statutory employment obligations.

Recruitment and Background checks
Members must have proper procedures in place for recruiting and vetting both management and care staff. Members should endeavour to obtain criminal background checks and written references from at least two sources and where practicable these must be taken from last / recent employers.

Training
Members should ensure employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge to adequately carry out their roles including but not limited to Patient Handling training. Members should encourage their employees to develop their skills through further training.

Suitability of Care Givers for Clients
Members should endeavour to ensure that caregivers are matched with clients taking into account their training and experience, personality and temperament.

Supervision
Members should ensure their staff are adequately supervised and that each client’s plan of care is delivered as anticipated.

Quality Assessment
Members should have in place procedures so that the quality of care delivered can be assessed in a systematic fashion.

Insurance
Members must have adequate and appropriate insurance in place before service is commenced. Public Liability insurance should amount to at least €6.5m while Employers Liability should amount to at least €13m and must cover all staff members.

Disrepute
Members must at all times conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring home care and/or the Home Care Association into disrepute. In accordance with the Associations Constitution, membership will be withdrawn where continued membership may adversely affect the Association.

Frequelently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Home Care?
In its truest meaning, Home Care refers to any type of care (medical or non-medical) that is provided to the patient in their home. In recent years, however, there has been a slight shift in using the terminology to emphasize non-medical care such as Companionship/Homemaking Services or Personal Care Services.

How does Home Care differ from Home Healthcare?
While Home Care can be used to describe both medical and non-medical care, typically home care refers to non-medical care such as Companionship/Homemaking Services or Personal Care services, while home healthcare refers to the provision of skilled nursing care and other care such as speech, physical or occupational therapy.

Is 41% tax relief available on home care fees?
In Ireland income tax relief is available to our clients or their relatives at their top rate of tax, subject to conditions. This means that you could receive tax relief of up to 41% of the cost of our service. It is also possible to claim this relief as part of your tax credits and so you receive the benefit as part of your weekly or monthly wages and therefore receive the benefit immediately.

Why should I choose Home Care?
Home care is delivered in the home. When we are not feeling well, most of us ask to be at home. We enjoy the comfort of our residences and the joy of being with our loved ones. When our loved ones are ill, we try to get them home as soon as possible.

Home care keeps families together
This is particularly important in times of illness when families desire to be near one another for support. Home care is a comforting alternative to premature admission to a long-term care facility. Since most people would prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible, home care can provide a level of service that is customisable to the client’s needs.

Home care promotes healing
There is scientific evidence that many patients heal faster at home.

Home care is safe
Many risks, such as infection, are eliminated or minimized when care is provided in the home.

Home care allows for the maximum amount of freedom for the individual.
Patients at home can remain active in their customary daily routines.

Home care promotes continuity
The patient’s own physician continues to oversee his or her care. Home care is personalised and tailored to the needs of each individual. Patients receive one-on-one care and attention.

Home care is less expensive than other forms of care
If skilled care is not needed around the clock, home care can allow you to create a customised care plan that meets your needs and your budget.

Home care is the preferred form of care
Studies have shown that 95% of those aged 75 and older prefer to stay in their current residence for as long as possible.

Our Members

Listed in Alphabetical Order

All In Care

Head Office
Unit 5F
Fingal Bay Business Park
Balbriggan,
Co. Dublin
Tel: 01 690 6560
Fax: 01 841 6659
E-mail: allincare@eircom.net
Website: www.allincare.ie

South Dublin Regional Office
45-51 Temple Road
Blackrock,
Co. Dublin
Tel: 01 210 3697
Fax: 01 8416659
E-mail: allincare@eircom.net
Website: www.allincare.ie

Bluebird Care

Bluebird Care Limerick
3rd Floor, River front,
Howley�s Quay,
Limerick.
Tel: 061 - 481208
Fax: 061 - 481209
Email: eddieotoole@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Bluebird Care Galway
Ground Floor, Block 13,
Galway Technology Park,
Parkmore,
Galway
Tel: 091 - 480048
Fax: 091 - 764014
Email: galway@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Bluebird Care Sligo/Mayo
4th Floor, Connaught House,
Markievicz Road,
Sligo.
Tel: 071 - 9155008
Fax: 071 - 9155574
Email: sligoandmayo@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Bluebird Care Tipperary
27/28 Liberty Square,
Thurles,
Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 0504 - 58922
Fax: 0504 -
Email: tipperary@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Bluebird Care Dublin West
Unit 2A, Innovation House,
Coolmine Business Park,
Dublin 15
Tel: 01 - 8208250
Fax: 01 - 8208255
Email: dublinwest@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Bluebird Care Dublin South East
67 Patrick Street
Dun Laoghaire
Co. Dublin.
Tel: 01 - 214 4066/7
Fax: 01 - 214 4068
Email: Dublinsoutheast@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Bluebird Care Dublin North
9 Burgundy Court,
New Street,
Swords
Co. Dublin.
Tel: 01 - 8408222
Fax: 01 - 8408252
Email: dublinnorth@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Bluebird Care Donegal & Leitrim
No 21 Academy Court
Oliver Plunkett Road
Letterkenny
Co. Donegal
Tel: 074 - 9129562
Fax: 074 - 9129539
Email: donegal@bluebirdcare.ie
Website: www.bluebirdcare.ie

Caremark

South Dublin Office
Caremark (Churchtown)
1A Beaumont Avenue,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14
Tel: 01 295 1747
Fax: 01 298 1748
E-mail: info@caremark.ie
Website: www.caremark.ie

North Dublin Office
Caremark (City North)
Broombridge Business Centre
Broombridge Station
288 Bannow Road
Dublin 7
Tel: 01 824 5747
Fax: 01 824 5748
E-mail: info@caremark.ie
Website: www.caremark.ie

North Kildare Office
CAREMARK (Kildare North)
Vista Primary Care Campus
Ballymore Road
Naas
Co. Kildare.
Tel: 045 871166
Fax: 045 871212
e-mail: kildarenorth@caremark.ie
Website: www.caremark.ie

Midlands Office
CAREMARK (Midlands)
17 Abbey Street
Roscommon
Co. Roscommon
Tel: 0906 628690
Fax: 0906 628691
e-mail: midlands@caremark.ie
Website: www.caremark.ie

Cork South Office
CAREMARK (Cork South)
Unit 21a Penrose Wharf
Cork City
Tel: 021 4514888
Fax: 021 4514889
e-mail: corksouth@caremark.ie
Website: www.caremark.ie

Comfort Keepers

ARDEE
Bridge Street
Co. Louth
Tel: 041 687 1002
Fax: 041 685 7047
Email: dublin@comfortkeepers.ie
Website: www.comfortkeepers.ie

DUBLIN
Comfort Keepers
Deverell Place
Gardiner St
Dublin 1
Tel: 01 879 7777
Fax: 804 7335
Email: dublin@comfortkeepers.ie
Website: www.comfortkeepers.ie

DUBLIN SOUTH WEST
Old Bawn Shopping Centre
Tallaght
Dublin 24
Tel: 01 404 5374
Fax: 01 404 5375
Email: tallaght@comfortkeepers.ie
Website: www.comfortkeepers.ie

CORK
Melbourne Business Park
Model Farm Road,
Cork
Tel: 021 434 1961
Fax: 021 434 1964
Email: cork@comfortkeepers.ie
Website: www.comfortkeepers.ie

LIMERICK
Charlotte House,
Charlotte Quay,
Limerick
Tel: 061 317 712
Fax: 061 317 713
Email: limerick@comfotkeepers.ie
Website: www.comfortkeepers.ie

KILDARE
Naas Industrial Estate
Naas,
Co. Kildare
Tel: 045 87 47 25
Fax: 045 87 47 24
Email: kildare@comfortkeepers.ie
Website: www.comfortkeepers.ie

GALWAY
1 Liosban
Tuam Road
Galway
Tel: 091-460-440
Fax: 091-769-688
Email: galway@comfortkeepers.ie
Website: www.comfortkeepers.ie

Communicare Agency Ltd

6 St. Aidan's Park Road,
Marino,
Dublin 3
Tel: 01 833 8000
Fax: 01 833 8504
Email: info@communicare.ie
Website: www.communicare.ie

Home Care Independent Living

Dundalk Office
Dunany House
7 Seatown Gardens
Seatown Place
Dundalk
Co. Louth
Tel: 042 9324688
Fax: 042 9324689
Email: info@homecareindependentliving.com
Website: www.homecareindependentliving.com

HomeCarers

Herbert Hall
16 Herbert Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6190289
Website: www.homecarers.ie

Home Instead Senior Care

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE OFFICES

Home Instead Corporate Office
305 Q House, Furze Road, Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18.
Tel: 01-2973490 Fax: 01-2973499
Contact: Ed Murphy - edmurphy@homeinstead.ie
Website: www.homeinstead.ie

COVERING DUBLIN 2, 4, 6 & 8
NovaUCD Office, Belfield Innovation Park, UCD, Fosters Avenue, Dublin 4
Phone: 01-7163555 Fax 01-7163550
Contact Karl Schutte - Mobile: 086-2545759 karl.schutte@hisc.ie

COVERING DUBLIN WEST 6, 10, 12, 16
Unit B09, Nutgrove Enterprise Park, Nutgrove Way, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.
Phone: 4241945 Fax: 4241944
Contact: Hugh McGauran - Mobile: 087-2211400 hugh.mcgauran@hisc.ie

COVERING DUBLIN 14, 18 & OTHER AREAS OF SOUTH EAST DUBLIN
3 Brewery Court, Brewery Road, Leopardstown, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Phone: 2068022 Fax: 01-2068023
Contact: David Healy - Mobile: 087 2427460 david.healy@hisc.ie

COVERING DUBLIN 1,3,5,7,13,15 & 17
2nd Floor 19-20 Fairview, Dublin 3. Phone: 853 5048. Fax No. 01- 8533358
Contact: Peter Taylor - Mobile: 087-2983555 - peter.taylor@hisc.ie

COVERING COUNTY GALWAY
Unit 9G Racecourse Business Park, Suite No. 4, Parkmore, Galway.
Phone: 091-384160 Fax: 091-384161
Contact: Colman Gately - Mobile: 087 9837888 E-mail: cgately@homeinstead.ie

COVERING CORK
4 Nessan House, Riverview Business Park, Bessboro Road , Blackrock, Cork
Phone : 021-5002190. Fax: 021-5002209
Contact: Noeleen Cronin - 086-8270248 e-mail: noeleen.cronin@hisc.ie

COVERING WEXFORD
Strandfield Business Park, Kerlogue, Rosslare Road, Wexford.
Telephone 053-9184042 Fax No 053-9184703
Stephen Conway, 087-7410102 stephen.conway@hisc.ie

COVERING DUBLIN 9, 11, 17 AND NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN
2nd Floor, Broadmeadow Hall, Applewood Village, Swords, Co. Dublin.
Telephone 01-8950010 Fax No 01-8901627.
Contact: Tara Shortall, Mobile 086-8202659 tshortall@homeinstead.ie

COVERING WICKLOW
3B Southern Cross Business Park, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Telephone 01-2768122 Fax 01-2761558
Contact: Seamus Murphy - 086-6013265 seamus.murphy@hisc.ie

COVERING DONEGAL
i:Tec Building, Business Park Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Telephone 074-9113050. Fax No 074-9168086
Contact: Noreen Mc Glynn - 087-1304652. noreeen.mcglynn@homeinstead.ie

COVERING KERRY
28 Moyderwell, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Telephone 066-7193350. Fax 066-7180108
Contact: Tim Healy 086-6994297 tim.healy@homeinstead.ie

COVERING TIPPERARY
Tipperary Technology Park, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Telephone: 0504-91100 Fax 0504-20209
Contact: Michael Wright - 083-3581304 E-mail: michael.wright@hisc.ie

COVERING LIMERICK
8 Steamboat Quay, Limerick.
Tel: 061-462070. Fax : 061-462074
Contact: Liam Toland - 087-2380258 - liam.toland@hisc.ie

COVERING WATERFORD
Unit 3 Cleaboy Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Road, Waterford.
Tel: 051-333966. Fax : 051-333956
Contact: Danette Connolly 087-6787489 danette.connolly@homeinstead.ie

COVERING Meath/Louth
2nd Floor, 20 Fair Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
Telephone Louth: 041 980 9830 Telephone Meath: 046 943 1100
Fax: 041 984 6782
Michael Rigney 087 631 9383 mike.rigney@homeinstead.ie

COVERING Westmeath/Offaly/Longford
Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
Telephone: 044 938 5260 Fax: 044 933 4945
Teresa O'Reilly 087 125 0071- t.oreilly@homeinstead.ie

COVERING Kildare
Main Street, Kilcullen, Co Kildare
Telephone: 045 484 623 Fax: 045 482 768
Amanda Bohan - 086 6054999 - amanda.bohan@hisc.ie

Kare Plan Limited

437 Howth Road,
Raheny,
Dublin 5
Co Dublin
Tel: 01-8511411
Fax: 01-8511410
email: info@kareplan.ie
Website: www.kareplan.ie

Moorehall Healthcare

Hale Street,
Ardee,
Co. Louth
Tel: LoCall 1890 33 55 33
Fax: 041 685 6993
email: info@moorehallhealthcare.ie
Website: www.moorehallhealthcare.ie

Sandra Cooney's Home Care

Unit 1, Ballymun Industrial Estate
St Margarets Road
Ballymun
Dublin 11
Lo Call: 1890 500 005
Tel: 01-8527875, 01-8579978
Fax: 01-8527880
email: info@schomecare.ie
Website: www.schomecare.ie