Enterprising Opportunities for Waterford Tourism

On Wednesday June 20th, Waterford City Enterprise Board launched its ‘Tourism Opportunities’ programme. 

The programme is designed to encourage Waterford City businesses not currently engaged with visitors to the City to add a tourist element to their income stream. 

 Waterford City Manager Mr. Michael Walsh spoke about what Waterford City Council is doing to encourage tourists to visit Waterford. Tara Kerry of Failte Ireland spoke on the type of tourists visiting the city and what activities they are looking for, while Dr. Pat Walsh of RIKON explained how businesses can evolve and change to encompass a tourist element. Finally Ciaran Cullen Waterford City Enterprise CEO outlined how the Enterprise Board can help those interested in pursuing the programme.

Mr. Cullen explained that the Waterford City Enterprise Board can offer grant aid for website development, design and marketing and how they can also provide training and one to one mentoring. “The programme is intended to be as flexible as possible so it can assist individuals, businesses or groups intent on creating a packaged offer."

"The purpose of this evening’s launch is to explain our programme and ask those interested to take the next step and sign up for further idea development workshops with a view toward creating an effective and profitable tourism offering.”

Those that couldn’t attend the event and are interested in participating in the programme can phone Celia at the Waterford City Enterprise Board on 051-852883.

Home Instead Senior Care highlights World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day takes place on Friday, June 15^th.  Every year this international initiative raises public awareness about elder abuse in its many forms; physical, sexual, psychological, financial, discriminatory and neglect.

Awareness of elder abuse has risen in the last year with a 9% increase in the number of alleged elder abuse cases received by the HSE last year.  In 2011, 2,302 cases of elder abuse were reported to the HSE, the largest number of cases in any year since the service began in 2007.

The increase in reported cases has been welcomed by age support groups, including Home Instead Senior Care, which believes that there is more awareness of the problem of elder abuse, which heretofore had been widely under-reported.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford, these figures indicate that there is a broader awareness of elder abuse than ever before.

“Whilst elder abuse remains a horrific and very real issue, the HSE findings are to be welcomed as it shows a marked increase in the number of cases being reported.  As health care professionals, it is our duty to ensure that families of seniors and the wider community come forward to report instances of abuse that they are aware of.”

According to the HSE report, after self neglect, psychological abuse was the most common type of abuse reported, accounting for more than one in three cases.  This was followed by financial abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation and pressure in connection with wills, property and inheritance. Two thirds of alleged victims in 2011 were women and there was a higher referral rate among the over-80s. 

Ms. Connolly added "If you suspect an ageing family member, neighbour or friend is the victim of abuse, there are certain steps you can take and we would encourage all to do the following;

·        Listen to seniors and their caregivers to make sure they are being cared for appropriately. 

·        Report suspected elder abuse to your local HSE office or An Garda Siochana.

·        Visit ageing loved ones as often as possible so the older person sees you as someone they could trust and talk to about any difficulties they may have.

Home Instead Senior Care advises anybody who is concerned that an elderly person in the community is at risk of abuse to contact the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850 or the Waterford Home Instead office directly on 051 333966.

Home Instead Senior Care was established in Ireland in 2005 to bring practical, cost effective and above all, kind and compassionate non-medical care to elderly and disabled people who wish to remain living in their own homes.

For more information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15^th, call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

Home Instead “Book Reading” raises money for Waterford Hospice

Home Instead Senior Care recently hosted an evening with Imelda  Butler, author of “Be Not Afraid…..I go before You”, a compilation of short stories of love and loss written by partners, parents, children, siblings and friends who have been bereaved.

The evening, held in the Book Centre, was the brainchild of Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care, which will donate €2 to Waterford Hospice Movement for every copy of the book purchased in May and June.

“Be Not Afraid…I go before you” was inspired by the loss of Imelda’s husband, John, and intended as a healing resource for those who have been bereaved. 

According to Danette Connolly, “The purpose of the evening was to focus on a wonderful Irish publication which brings understanding, healing, hope and insight to the reader who is bereaved as they acknowledge and reflect upon other stories from similar circumstances, and at the same time raise funds for such a worthy cause as the Waterford Hospice movement.”

  

“Everyone, at some time in their lives, will be affected by the loss of a loved one.  This book is a real consolation for any of us who have found ourselves in this situation.  Contributors to the book recount their very emotive and personal experiences and gives assurance to the reader that they are not alone.”

Danette added “We chose to support the Waterford Hospice Movement with donations from the sale of the book going to such a worthy cause.  The Hospice provides invaluable care, dignity and respect to patients with life limiting illnesses.”  

The evening was attended by a large number of guests and was addressed by Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Hilary Quinlan.  There was also a talk by Imelda Butler and Ronan Flood, who contributed to the book.

Danette acknowledged the very generous help from local businesses in supporting the event, in particular The Book Centre, John Roberts Square and Mary Grimes Catering.

To find out more about the services provided by  Home Instead Senior Care call Danette Connolly on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie