Senior Care Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Having received an enquiry we are happy to arrange a visit by our trained Care Manager so that we can discuss the type of care the Client requires.

When we fully understand the clients needs we draw up a detailed Care Plan, give a fee proposal and upon agreement sign a contract.

We then carefully select a fully trained Carer who has the appropriate experience and qualifications to best meet those needs. The Carer is assigned on a permanent basis and can access training for specific needs if necessary.

Introductory visits are paramount at Caremark to ensure the Carer fully understands the Care Plan and will meet all the Client's needs. The Caremark Care Manager or Supervisor will accompany the assigned Carer on thier first visit to the Client. This enables us to introduce both parties.

Our Field Care Supervisor will "shadow" a new carer on thier first three visits on commencment of employment with Caremark. The Field Care Supervisor will undertake spot checks and continue to make regular visits to make sure we are providing the Client with the highest standard of care.

These regular visits also enable us to make certain any changes to the Care Plan are identified and requirements are met.

Care Plans are person-centred which promote independence, encouraging clients to assist in implementing their care as well as stating the tasks to be achieved whilst on duty.

The aims and objectives of Caremark are as follows:

To deliver the highest standards of professional care to those in need and those who choose to remain living in their own homes.

To encourage the independence of our Clients.

To respect the rights and values of our Clients.

To value our Carers.

We believe that everyone should have the right to choose to remain living in their own home and be given the care and assistance to do so safely and as securly as possible.

We respect the rights and values of all our clients at all times.

We value our Carers, without whom there would be no "Caremark"

We believe in the strength of our policies and procedures and the importance of adhering to them at all times.

We believe in maintaining fair and competitive fee levels.

We believe in complete honesty and integrity in everything we say and do.

We believe that Caremark derives additional strength from overcoming obstacles.

We believe that our mission can only be realised through our shared beliefs and working together as a team.

THE HSE

The HSE provide a "Home Care Support Scheme" also known as a "Home Care Package" aimed mainly at people requiring medium to high caring support to continue living at home independently. The scheme has no National Guidelines and is administered differently in various parts of the country. You must apply to your local HSE Administrative area. The package may consist of a direct cash payment (Home Care Grant), or be provided with Home Help employed by the HSE or assistance through a voluntary agency.

SOCIAL WELFARE

You may be entitled to a Carers Allowance for those over 16 years of age or a Domiciliary Care Allowance for those in need that are under 16 years of age.

DIRECT PAYMENT FROM OWN RESOURCES

Payment can be made from the person's own resources to supplement the above. Tax relief is available against these payments subject to individual circumstances.

Please feel free to contact any of our offices for further guidance on funding options.

All Caremark offices throughout Ireland comply with the Data Protection Act.

All Carers are fully Garda Vetted and personal reference checks are carried out.

All Caremark computers are fully encrypted to ensure total confidentiality in the unlikely event of theft.

There are robust procedures for all Caremark staff with regard to client confidentiality.

Caremark are fully insured to provide personal care ranging from domestic duties all the way to assistance in Palliative Care.

Caremark comply with UK POVA - Protection of Vulnerable Adults.

Care and personal assistance is provided to anyone regardless of age, disability or illness.

We provide carers from as little as 30 minutes a week in the Client's home.

Our care services are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year in pre-determined time spans that satisfy carefully devised individual Care Plans.

Caremark can provide our Clients with assistance during waking nights, or piece of mind during sleeping nights.

We provide a rapid response service.

A multi-disciplinary team approach.

A very simple fee structure.

No charge if care is cancelled with 24 hour notice.

For further examples of the types of care we provide please click on the "Services Provided" tab at the top of the screen.

CQC Accredited

UK ISO 9001:2000

Members of Irish Private Homecare Association

Members of UK Homecare Association

Provider to the HSE

Presently Ireland has no regulation in this sector. However, in October 2008 the HSE produced a draft "National Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services." Caremark offices in Ireland already implement all of the guidelines contained in this draft document.

Caremark offices throughout Ireland also work to the Care Standards Act 2000 (UK). These regulations are the statutory instrument used to ensure UK providers are operating within the legal framework.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission - CQC - (Ireland's equivalent is HIQA) use the Domiciliary Care National Minimum Standards to determine compliance with the regulations.

All of Caremarks offices that have been audited by the CQC in the UK have achieved the highest mark of three stars.

Allied to this, the HSE have engaged the services of PA Consulting to study the presently fragmented and unregulated Home Care sector in Ireland. Very soon they will recommend a standards based regulated system for the care sector, policed by HIQA.

In the meantime, Caremark Ireland procedures not only achieve the UK "National Minimum Standards" but exceed them.

Yes. Tax relief is currently available on home care at up to 41% depending on individual circumstances. 

The founder of Caremark UK has been in this sector since 1990.

Having previously owned a care home Kevin set up a home care company which became market leader in the UK with almost 150 offices. This company was purchased by a plc.

Four years later, Kevin Lewis launched Caremark.

Caremark offices throughout Ireland are part of a 50 strong expanding network of office network throughout Ireland and the UK.

There is an enormous depth of knowledge within the company.

Tom Duke is owner and master licence holder for Caremark in Ireland. For profiles of our regional office teams in Ireland please click on the "Offices" tab at the top of the screen.

Caremark provide care for anyone regardless of their illness, disability or situation.

Caremark work closely with the HSE in Dublin where a wide variety of Clients are cared for.

Caremark are providers for the Beaumont Hospital "Home First" pilot program.

Wards of Court.

People with intellectual disabilities

People with physical disabilities

People with mental health needs

People who have suffered a stroke

People recently released from hospital requiring convalesence care

People with terminal illness

People requiring companionship

People caring for a loved one who need some respite

People with dementia

People with Alzheimer's

People needing some help around the house with light domestic chores

People with sensory loss, including those with dual sensory impairment.