Home Care - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Home Care?
Home Care refers to any type of care (medical or non-medical) that is provided to a person in their home. In recent years, however, there has been a shift in using the terminology to emphasize non-medical care such as companionship, homemaking services or personal care services.

When is Care Provided?
Care is provided whenever you need it. Our Carers are available for hourly, daily, overnight and live-in care depending on the client’s needs, which are set out in an individualised care plan. We operate 24 hours a day and always have somebody oncall to deal with emergencies.

How Much Does Home Care Cost?
We charge an hourly rate for our services and depending on the mix of services and the level of care required the rate will vary accordingly. Our Client Care Managers will clearly identify the best plan of care for your loved one and the costs involved well in advance of proceeding with care. You may also be entitled to 41% tax relief on our services which help to greatly reduce the net cost.

Why Should I Choose Home Care as Opposed to Nursing Home or Acute Care?

1. 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
2. Home care keeps families together: This is particularly important in times of illness when families desire to be near one another for support.
3. Home care means that family members need not provide personal care for a loved one: Providing personal care for a loved one can be difficult and stressful and raise dignity issues. Home care removes the need for family members to provide personal care and a source of strain from your relationship.
4. 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 tailored to the client’s needs.
5. Home care promotes healing: There is scientific evidence that many patients heal faster at home. Many risks, such as infection from MRSA, are eliminated or minimized when care is provided in the home. Research shows that older people receiving home care are less likely to readmit to hospitals A&E.
6. Home care allows for the maximum amount of freedom for the individual: Patients at home can remain active in their customary daily routines.
7. 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 an individual care plan that meets your needs and your budget.
8. Home care is the preferred form of care: Studies have shown that 95% of those aged 70 and older prefer to stay in their current residence for as long as possible.

Can I get 41% Tax Relief on the Cost of Home Care?
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. Comfort Keepers assist you and provide the relevant documentation.

How Do I Organise Home Care?
Once, as a family, you decide that some element of home care support is appropriate, you should call your closest Comfort Keepers office and have one of our professional Client Care Managers meet with you to discuss how we can help.