Experiences of home care workers from domiciliary services in Dublin

Abstract

The research explores home care workers from their perspective. The design was qualitative and the method was semi-structured interviews. Five employees from agencies for domiciliary services in Dublin were interviewed. The findings indicated that the motivation for caring for HCWs is 80% money. Paid care in home settings involves much more responsibility, skills and personality. Young people found this job overwhelming. Furthermore, the study found that the organisation of the services challenge HCWs. The working conditions and the demands of the job make HCWs feel that equality in society does not apply to them. Mostly of caregivers worked 6 days per week but were paid less than minimum wage. Work intensity affects their health. After starting work as a HCW participants had less private and family time.