Family care demand in Ireland projected to rise by up to 58%

Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) forecasts that demand for family‑provided care in Ireland could increase by between 49 % and 58 % as the population ages.

ESRI spokesperson Dr Sheelah Connolly told Newstalk Breakfast that advances in medicine are extending life expectancy, leading to a larger cohort of people aged 65 to 84 and, in particular, those aged 85 and over. This older group already uses the most health and social‑care services and relies heavily on family care.

Dr Connolly warned that the rising need for family carers will coincide with a shrinking pool of potential carers. Declining birthrates and modern lifestyle changes mean fewer younger relatives live close to, or in the same country as, their ageing parents. Many now reside in urban areas or abroad, reducing their availability for caregiving.

She described the situation as “a real challenge”, emphasizing that a significant increase in the number of people providing family care will be required to meet future demand.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Kathleen Austin Kuhn / Pexels.