Publication of ‘domiciliary care services for adults in Northern Ireland (2009)’ bulletin

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published a statistical bulletin summarising information on adults receiving domiciliary care during a survey week in September 2009.

The bulletin presents information on the number of domiciliary care contact hours provided, the number of client visits and the number of clients receiving domiciliary care during the week of the survey.

The survey was completed by each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts between October 2009 and January 2010.

The main findings indicate that during the survey week an estimated 235,559 contact hours of domiciliary care were provided by HSC Trusts for 23,377 clients in Northern Ireland. Almost three in 10 (6,630) of these clients were receiving an intensive domiciliary care service according to the definition (intensive domiciliary care refers to clients receiving 10 or more hours and six or more visits during the survey week).

Key Facts and Figures

During the survey week in September 2009:

• An estimated 235,559 contact hours of domiciliary care were provided by HSC Trusts in Northern Ireland, 6% (13,166) more than in 2008 (222,393).
• An average of 10.1 contact hours were provided per client receiving domiciliary care, slightly higher than the average in 2008 (9.4).
• The independent sector provided the majority (71%) of domiciliary care services out of normal working hours; 64% of ‘Out of Hours’ and almost all (95%) of ‘Overnight, live in & 24 hour services’.
• HSC Trusts provided domiciliary care for 23,377 clients, 176 less than in 2008 (23,553).
• 6,630 clients received intensive domiciliary care services, 7% (494) less than in 2008 (7,124). Clients receiving intensive domiciliary care services accounted for 28% of all clients receiving domiciliary care.
• The majority (85%) of clients receiving intensive domiciliary care services were aged 65 & over, with 15% aged 18 – 64.
• Almost half (49%) of all clients received less than five hours of domiciliary care, six percentage points more than in 2008 (43%)

Notes to editors:

1. All publications are available online.

2. About the data:

• The source of the data contained in this release is the Departmental CC7b statistical return, collected from HSC Trusts on an annual basis.
• Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 22nd February 2010.

3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS.

Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Room 11, Annexe 2,
Castle Buildings,
Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP

Tel: (028) 90 522493

Fax: (028) 90 523288

E-mail:

Internet:

4. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 02890 520074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.