A survey of healthcare assistants has highlighted concerns about low pay, poor staffing levels and stress in the workplace.
The research was conducted by SIPTU and shows that the issue of pay and benefits is particularly acute in private healthcare settings.
The union said this has led to a worsening staffing crisis in these services.
According to the research, 93% of respondents said low pay was one of the biggest issues they faced in the workplace.
Half of respondents said that a lack of benefits such as contributory pensions and maternity pay was one of the biggest issues.
They also cited stress, lack of recognition, unmanageable workloads and family reunification as being issues they face in the workplace.
SIPTU has called on the incoming government to expand and improve the public provision of nursing home and home care.
"We believe care must be prioritised in the next Programme for Government," said SIPTU Sector Organiser Sharon Cregan.
"The incoming government must put in place a working mechanism in private care settings so workers can negotiate pay deals with their employers, expand the public provision of nursing homes and home support services as well as ensure safe staffing for all grades of staff in all settings," Ms Cregan said.
The SIPTU survey received more than 1,420 responses.
