Irish Public Health Nursing Services and Home Support Services: governance of older persons' home care.

Gaps in lines of authority and accountability in day-to-day care exist, posing risks to safety. Establishing an enhanced home care model for complex cases and levels of accountability and supervision is critical. Investigating ways of adopting digital solutions to share commissioned home care plans with primary care teams (PCTs) would clarify responsibility and roles and reduce the risks of care left undone. Formally defining the role of commissioned home care agencies in primary care and that which they are expected to play during times of crisis, such as during COVID-19 pandemic will enhance integrated care and governance.