Press Release

Professional Institute of Care Providers (PICP) Comments on ‘Prime Time Investigates’

The Professional Institute of Care Providers (PICP) notes the contents of the Prime Time Investigates and Frontline programmes on RTE 1 last night. We are pleased that none of our members were featured. Whilst shocked by the extent of the findings, we were not surprised.

As representatives of independent companies who provide high quality home care throughout Ireland, we have been campaigning for the formation of an Independent Home Care Regulatory Body.

We fully support the DRAFT National Standards in Home Care Provision to be signed off the Department of Health and Children as a very positive step forward in the development of National Home Care Standards.
A well regulated industry assists both care providers and their clients.

The PICP advocates that anyone seeking homecare, as a stay-at-home and cost-effective alternative to nursing homes should insist on the following:

1. Individual assessment before a care plan is designed
2. An Individual care plan tailored to your needs
3. Evidence of training that your carer has received
4. Evidence of Garda vetting
5. Evidence of insurance cover

Whilst this is not an alternative to regulation, these guidelines will minimise any risk of poor quality care as highlighted by the Prime Time Investigates programme.

We continue to remain vigilant and will not relax our expectations of high standards of home care practices.

ENDS

Contact :
Elizabeth Nicholson, Chairperson, PICP; Founder and MD, Private Home Care (087 2401871 / 01 6219104)
www.picp.ie