£620k to grow home care sector

Monday 11 October 2021

The Government says it is investing more than £620,000 to recruit 100 new staff into the local home care sector and fund their salaries during their training.

The initiative, called ‘Help at Home’, will also be funding the upskilling of 50 existing employees in the sector.

‘Help at Home’, which will run until March 2022, is part of the Government of Jersey’s £50m ‘Fiscal Stimulus Fund’ to support Jersey’s economic recovery following covid-19.

With Jersey's population aging, the Government said developing the Home Care sector was critical for the future health and wellbeing of vulnerable islanders. Home Care services allow a person with special physical or mental needs to live independently and safely for as long as possible within their home.

It is available not only for people who have an age-related disease, but also to islanders who are chronically ill, recovering from surgery or an injury, or have a disability.

 “This investment will see islanders benefit from an alternative care option over the coming years and decades," the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said.

"This includes Islanders who want the option of receiving sustainable and cost-effective care within their homes; hundreds of current and future staff who will benefit from job-security in a developing sector; and dozens of local Home Care organisations that will benefit from business growth" 

Cheryl Kenealy, who chairs the Jersey Care Federation, said islanders who could and should be cared for in the familiar environment of their own homes often aren’t able to do so.

"This is because the Home Care sector has been under-resourced, causing some islanders to move into Care Homes too early," she explained. "This isn’t sustainable considering the growing and aging population, and as such, ‘Help at Home’ has the Home Care sector’s full support and backing."

She encouraged as many islanders as possible to apply for a role in Home Care. "You could be a student, currently working in hospitality or retail, or maybe considering returning to work after having children," she said.

"We are looking for people who are personable, friendly, and compassionate, with a desire to help people. A job in Home Care brings with it the privilege of making a difference and building relationships with amazing people. You will also benefit from flexible working hours, job security, and ongoing growth and professional development.”