The HSE Home Support Service (formerly called the Home Help Service or Home Care Package Scheme) aims to help older people remain in their own homes for as long as possible while supporting informal carers.

Home Support Service for people aged 65+

The HSE’s Home Support Service supports people aged 65+ who may need support to continue living in their own home or to return home following a hospital stay. The HSE makes exceptions for people under 65 who need support, such as those with early-onset dementia or disabilities.

The Home Support Service is funded by the state and can be delivered to you free of charge by approved providers such as RHS Home Care. You do not need a medical card to apply and your income will not be assessed.

Supports

A tailormade home care plan will be put in place to cater to the individual’s needs, which can include:

• Getting in and out of bed
• Dressing and undressing
• Personal care such as showering and shaving
• Mobility
• Food preparation
• Medication prompting

Our carers receive professional training and regularly undergo employee reviews to ensure that they meet the care requirements of our clients.

How to Apply for Home Support Services

You can obtain an information booklet and application form from your GP, Public Health Nurse or other healthcare professional, or you can ask your local Home Support Office to send it to you.

Alternatively, you can download the booklet and application form here.

You must fill in the application form and return it to your healthcare professional or your local HSE Home Support Office. If you are unable to apply yourself, someone can apply on your behalf. This could be your relative, family carer, GP or public health nurse.

After the HSE receives your completed application form, the HSE will arrange to assess what kind of support you might need. This is a Care Needs Assessment..

How to choose RHS Home Care as your Home Support Service Provider

Your healthcare professional may give you a list of approved providers to choose from. As RHS Home Care is an Approved Provider of HSE Support Services you can select us from the list. Alternatively, when completing the form you can apply to be considered for Consumer Directed Home Support.

Consumer Directed Home Support (CDHS)

Consumer Directed Home Support (CDHS) offers an alternative way for an approved provider to deliver your home support. CDHS may not be available in all areas. Contact your local home support office to find out whether it is available in your area.

If the HSE approves you for a Home Support Service but cannot provide staff to deliver the service, an HSE-approved provider will take over and deliver the support.

You will deal directly with the HSE-approved provider of your choice to schedule service days and times that address your essential care needs, as identified in your care needs assessment.

You can apply for consideration for CDHS when completing your application form. If approved, you will receive a letter from the HSE confirming weekly funding. You can use this funding to arrange home support with RHS Home Care or any approved provider of your choice.

For more information visit the HSE website by clicking the link below:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/home-support-services.