Shining a Light on Carers
The awards were created to give recognition to a profession that is rarely in the spotlight. From carers and nurses to managers and coordinators, they celebrate the people who make Ireland’s home care system work.
One of the most cherished accolades is the Carer of the Year Award, sponsored by Spry Finance. It honours carers who show exceptional empathy, patience, resilience, and compassion – qualities that define outstanding care.
“Carers rarely get the chance to be celebrated,” says Joseph Musgrave, CEO of HCCI. “They don’t just provide care – they build relationships, often becoming part of the family. These awards are about giving them the recognition they truly deserve.”
Musgrave talks about past award winners – telling stories of carers who go far beyond their official duties: staying with clients long after shifts end, supporting grieving families, or even relocating so they can continue caring for someone who depends on them.
Past award winners include the person who drove halfway across the country during COVID to deliver protective equipment to colleagues. Another was recognised posthumously for her dedication – she tragically passed away while providing care during the pandemic.
“These stories are the most rewarding part of my job,” Musgrave reflects. “They remind us that carers are real people doing extraordinary things, day in and day out.”
Why Home Care Matters
The awards also highlight the bigger picture. Ireland’s population is ageing rapidly – the number of people over 80 will double in the next 15 years. That means demand for home care is rising sharply, with an extra one million hours of care needed every year to keep pace.
Home care allows people to stay where they feel most comfortable: in their own homes, surrounded by memories and community. But delivering this kind of support depends on having enough trained, dedicated carers. Recruiting and retaining staff is now one of the sector’s greatest challenges.
HCCI is pushing for change. Beyond celebrating carers, the organisation campaigns for regulation, higher standards, and proper career pathways. The goal is simple: to make caring not just a job, but a valued and rewarding profession.
The Power of Recognition
Musgrave believes that sponsors can play a more important role than just making the awards happen. He says: “Their involvement signals something bigger. My view is that Spry Finance are trying to empower people with more options. They help families explore financial options to fund care, recognising that many people want – and need – to choose home care over nursing homes.”
Together, the HCCI and its partners are working to ensure that home care is sustainable for the future, both for families who rely on it and for the workforce which delivers it.
First though, is a night for the carers, and the awards evening in Athlone is about more than trophies. It’s a moment to dress up, be applauded, and hear their stories shared with pride.
As Musgrave puts it: “Our future depends on care, and care depends on carers – they are the people who bring dignity, compassion, and comfort into the lives of others. The least we can do is give them a night in the spotlight.”
