Home Instead Senior Care launches search for Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year

Last year, Geraldine Grant was Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year and went on to take the overall title at the Home Instead Senior Care national convention.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care with Home Instead Waterford, is delighted to announce that nominations are again being sought for the Waterford CAREGiver of the Year, which will take place in Dooley’s Hotel on Thursday, October 4^th.

Following the phenomenal interest and number of entries in the previous year, the awards will also be open to HSE carers throughout Waterford City and County.

The premise of the local and subsequent national competition is to recognise and reward the work of CAREGivers and carers in general.  Danette commented that the criteria for the awards includes showing evidence that caring is a passion and not just a job, that the carer is prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty, that the carer has helped the client to reach and maintain independence and that the carer has adhered to the stringent Home Instead Senior Care and HSE procedures and regulations.

According to Ms. Connolly, “Carers provide thousand of hours of care and support to people in their homes throughout Waterford.”

“The work of the carer is invaluable and does so much to enhance the quality of life of those being cared for.  A carer’s role varies, depending on the needs of the client.  In most cases the carer’s role encompasses a range of services from meal preparation to performing daily tasks; such as grocery shopping, laundry or trips to the library and family.  In many cases the role of the carer is to simply provide companionship.”

“Through the nominations last year, the panel of adjudicators and I were made aware of the huge amount of compassion, energy, responsibility and pride that carers have in their work and in many cases strong and lasting friendships are formed”, she added.

In fact, last year’s overall winner, Geraldine Grant, impressed the judges with her sense of humour, her ability to empathise with clients, the natural ability to develop warm relationships with her clients and their families and her dedication to her job.  Since working with Home Instead Geraldine has provided care to over 30 clients in Waterford and South Kilkenny and beat off stiff competition from Home Insteads’ 17 other franchise finalists.

This year the panel of independent adjudicators includes The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Jim Darcy, Waterford Hospice Fundraising Chairperson, Marie Cummins and Barbara Murphy, Manager of Older People Services Waterford (HSE).

Marie Cummins welcomed the awards and the recognition of carers. “Often the work of carers goes unnoticed, but the reality is, they provide an outstanding service to those they care for.  Their dedication and commitment makes a huge difference and really enhances and improves the lives of those they look after.”

“We are delighted to be involved with these carer awards as they recognise the truly sterling work of Waterford carers.”

The Waterford final for the Home Instead CAREGiver / Carer of the Year takes place at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 4^th at Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Waterford.

If you wish to nominate a Home Instead CAREGiver or a HSE carer, phone 051 – 333966 or email your nomination to danette.connolly@homeinstead.ie before Friday, September 21^st.

To find out more about the services provided by Home Instead Senior Care you can visit www.homeinstead.ie