A SEVERE lack of home help carers across the county was discussed at this week’s meeting of Cork County Council.

Cllr John Michael Foley proposed writing to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the HSE for clarity on a strategic plan. ‘The HSE acknowledges that while many clients receive full or partial home support promptly, significant gaps persist, not due to funding shortages, but a lack of carers,’ he said. ‘Approved hours exist on paper, but insufficient staff deliver them on the ground.’

These delays had serious consequences, Cllr Foley pointed out. Home support prevented admissions to nursing home where waiting lists were already long, he said. Without the support, health declined, families became overwhelmed and residential care became necessary, further straining the system, he added.

‘My paraplegic mother lives at home with support from my father and care assistants. Without Home Support, she would need a nursing home place in an overstretched service, ‘ said Cllr Foley.

As of late October 2025, 890 people in Cork city and county were on waiting lists, with 543 new clients awaiting service, 347 existing clients needing additional hours. Many received only Monday-to-Friday help despite seven-day approvals, with weekends and bank holidays often unavailable due to staffing issues, especially in rural areas.

He said recruitment challenges persisted, pointing out that in 2024, 105 Health Care Assistants were hired in the region, but 161 retired or resigned, resulting in a net loss. Cllr Foley welcomed HSE South West’s current campaign.

Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) supported the motion and said this has been going on for years. ‘The work they do is stressful. The system is shocking and not fir for purpose. I think the government have let down our elderly people.’

Cllr Caroline Cronin (FG) said she recently spoke to the home care coordinator for the Skibbereen area who asked her to advertise that they need people in every town and village. ‘Pay them better and we will have more workers.’

Cllr Joe Carroll (FF) said the way home helpers are being treated is in the most disgusting way. ‘The pay hardly puts petrol in their cars. A lot of elderly people want a bit of company and the only person they meet on a regular basis is their home helper. If home help stopped in the morning we would have a health crisis in the country.’