Joseph Musgrave, chief executive officer of Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI), is the newest member of the Global Ageing Network (GAN) Board. We asked him to discuss his organization and its members, and why he looks forward to his new role with GAN.
Global Ageing Network: How would you describe the vision of Home and Community Care Ireland?
Joseph Musgrave: At Home and Community Care Ireland, we are committed to transforming the landscape of Irish home care through innovation, partnerships, and evidence-led policy. Our vision is a future where every adult in Ireland has a statutory right to home care. At HCCI, we not only advocate for care: We champion a system that respects and empowers every person it serves.
Global Ageing Network: What are the highest priorities for HCCI’s advocacy work?
Joseph Musgrave: With 35 member organisations, we have worked tirelessly to develop solutions that address the evolving needs of the home care sector. We have successfully advocated for improved pay and conditions for home care workers (HCWs) and have increased the number of available employment permits for HCWs coming from outside the EU. HCCI members have delivered tens of millions of home care hours to older and disabled people and continue to expand capacity for service delivery. However, there is much more still to do.
Global Ageing Network: How does your organization’s membership in the Global Ageing Network benefit older adults in Ireland?
Joseph Musgrave: HCCI believes that every adult deserves the right to receive care from their home and in the community. The world is experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift with ageing populations growing at an accelerated rate. Ireland’s population of over-65s is set to double in the next 20 years; this shift presents both challenges and opportunities for societies worldwide. By engaging in global conversations and leveraging the expertise of the GAN network, we can champion innovative models of care that are adaptable, sustainable, and person-centred.
Global Ageing Network: Looking toward your term on the GAN board, how do you see your role?
Joseph Musgrave: Being a part of this network provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful discussions and collaborate with like-minded leaders who share our commitment to improving the quality of care delivered to older individuals. I am very pleased to facilitate these discussions between GAN and Ireland. I look forward to the opportunities this role presents, not only for HCCI, but also for the international aged care sector. The chance to contribute to meaningful change on a global scale is both a privilege and a responsibility that I take seriously.
