When it comes to supporting older adults, people with disabilities, or those with health needs in Ireland, there are two broad paths: publicly funded homecare through the HSE (Health Service Executive) and private homecare arranged and paid for independently. Both have strengths and challenges and services like Connected Health are increasingly shaping what private homecare looks like across the country.
What Is HSE Homecare?
HSE Home Support (also known as Home Support Services) offers government-funded assistance for people who need help to stay living safely at home. Support is free and based on an assessment of need.
HSE Homecare Key Features
- Free service provided or arranged by the HSE.
- Helps with personal care, daily routines, and maintaining independence.
- Allocation of hours depends on assessed need and available resources.
HSE Homecare Limitations
- Not a guaranteed entitlement, resources and budgets affect availability.
- There can be waiting lists or limited hours, especially in high-demand areas.
- Less flexibility and choice than private services.
What Is Private Homecare?
Private homecare means organising care through for-profit agencies and paying for it yourself (often with the possibility of tax relief on certain costs).
Private Homecare Benefits
- Flexible and personalised, you choose what services you want, when, and how often.
- Can include specialised support for conditions like dementia, post-surgery recovery, arthritis care, and more.
- Can start quickly, without waiting lists.
Private Homecare Cost
- Private care is paid directly by clients. Service levels and pricing vary by provider and region.
- Some tax relief may be available on eligible care services.
Where Connected Health Fits In
Who They Are
Connected Health is a private homecare provider in Ireland delivering personalised domiciliary care and support services. Connected Health combines traditional in-person care with technology-enabled care solutions to support clients at home.
What Makes Them Stand Out
- Hybrid In-Home and Tech-Assisted Care
Connected Health blends usual homecare services with remote health monitoring, digital check-ins, and wearable technology, helping clients maintain independence while keeping family and care teams informed.
- Wide Range of Services
Their services include personal care, companionship, palliative and end-of-life care, dementia support, post-surgery and joint replacement recovery, neurological condition support, and reablement care.
- Tailored Plans & Assessments
They provide free at-home assessments to create personalised care plans matched to individual needs and preferences.
- HSE Collaboration
Connected Health operates as an approved provider with Disability Services HSE, helping deliver flexible support for people with physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities who may be eligible for HSE-funded services.
- Training & Quality
They run their own Connected Academy professional development and training programme for carers, emphasising high standards and consistency of care.
Technology & Innovation
Connected Health has been a pioneer of digital and hybrid care models, even launching early versions of a package builder that combines in-person care with tech-enabled supports.
Choosing What’s Right for You
HSE homecare
Works well if you qualify and want essential support without direct costs, especially for foundational personal care.
Private homecare
Makes sense if you need more flexible, personalised support (e.g., specialist care, overnight support, tech-assisted monitoring). Providers like Connected Health can be a strong choice in this category.
Combining HSE and Private Homecare
Using HSE hours where available and supplementing with private care to cover gaps or specialised needs.
Both HSE and private homecare aim to help people stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home, but they differ in cost, flexibility, and range of services. Connected Health represents an example of how private providers are innovating with technology, personalised care, and flexibility to meet diverse homecare needs in Ireland.
More Information on Connected Health
Choosing between HSE and private homecare is a significant decision when considering elderly care in Ireland. Considering the individual needs, preferences, family involvement, and financial considerations, families can make an informed decision that best suits the well-being and quality of life of their elderly loved ones.
For those considering private homecare as the preferred option, Connected Health can be a valuable partner in ensuring the well-being and safety of elderly individuals. Our compassionate in homecare services prioritise personalised attention, maintaining independence, and promoting a high quality of life. By choosing Connected Health, families can have peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are receiving expert care and support.