Dungarvan plans to become first Dementia Friendly town in Ireland

Home Instead Senior Care is currently providing a free training programme to local businesses and their staff in Dungarvan who, through the course of their normal working day, may come into contact with dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers. 

While it is estimated that there are over 50,000 people affected by dementia in Ireland today, what is equally concerning is that this number is expected to rise to 140,000 in the next 25 years.

The free training programme, devised and facilitated by Home Instead Senior Care has so far been undertaken by 13 Dungarvan businesses, including Garvey’s SuperValu, The Park Hotel, Bank of Ireland, AIB, pharmacies and restaurants.

Ray Power, Manager Home Instead Senior Care Waterford stressed the importance of service providers and retailers having a better understanding of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“Every day in Dungarvan, someone with dementia goes into a shop, a bank, a restaurant and, as is too often the case with dementia or Alzheimer’s, that person may be confused, disorientated or isolated.  The premise of this dementia training workshop is to help businesses and their staff understand dementia, recognise the signs and interact appropriately with that person.”

“From very simply recognising the symptoms of dementia in a person to dealing with them appropriately and compassionately through apt body movements, body language and voice tone, staff will be better equipped to assist and reassure a person with dementia, in order for that person to have a stress and anxiety free experience.”

Dungarvan Chamber of Commerce recently completed the dementia workshop and is actively encouraging more local businesses to sign up for training.

Jenny Beresford, CEO Dungarvan Chamber of Commerce was enthusiastic about the initiative. “We are delighted to be working with Home Instead Senior Care to address the needs of those with dementia and their families.  Dungarvan businesses have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to providing excellent customer care. We feel that local businesses, being some of the first in the country to undertake this training programme, will certainly add value to the Dungarvan retail and service experience, not just for locals, but for those who come to visit the area.”

Mr. Power added “We are determined to make Dungarvan Ireland’s first fully Dementia Friendly Town.  The derivatives of this are manifold.  For people with dementia, visiting, shopping and staying in Dungarvan it will become an even more agreeable experience. It would encourage, what is often a marginalised sector and their family carers, who can also feel very isolated and alone, to become more enmeshed in the local community.  This is something we at Home Instead Senior Care believe can only have massive benefits to those with dementia, their carers and their families.”

If you are a business owner and are interested in finding out more about Home Instead Senior Care Dementia Training workshops, visit www.homeinstead.ie or call Waterford Home Instead Senior Care on 058 75298.

Spectral phenomena expected at Loftus Hall’s Halloween experience!

For many of us Halloween conjures up images of trick or treating, dressing in ghoulish costume, pumpkin carving or bobbing for apples!

However, these contemporary Halloween activities are based on practices dating back to the darker origins of Halloween, or Samhain.  Around 2,000 years ago in Celtic Ireland, Samhain was the division of the year between summer and winter.  During Samhain, the divide between this world and other domains was at its thinnest which gave spirits greater opportunity to pass through to this world.

Loftus Hall, in Co. Wexford, will celebrate Samhain, and as Ireland’s most haunted house, you can expect to experience some eerie encounters and hear some ghostly tales from Loftus Hall’s past.

Nestled on the Hook Peninsula in Co. Wexford in barren and austere surroundings, Loftus Hall’s heritage dates back 665 years to 1350. It is now a magnet for tourists, historians, and paranormal enthusiasts, who continue to document evidence of frequent paranormal activity in the house. Highlighting some of this activity, Loftus Hall will feature on TV3 this Halloween, with a fascinating account of an Irish Ghost Hunters Investigation.

According to Aidan Quigley, Owner of Loftus Hall, Loftus Hall is a very special, but unpredictable, place to be during Samhain. “We observe strange phenomena in the house throughout the year, but at Halloween, the house often surprises us.”

 “At Loftus Hall, there is no need for overstated gory props or effects.  The house has a very twisted and tortured history, and so naturally speaks for itself. We have had reports from many ghost hunting groups and spectre seekers who recount rather unsettling results, such as significant temperature drops, particularly in the Chapel and Tapestry Room, and spikes in electro-magnetic fields, indicating an unseen energy source. Visitors to Loftus Hall continually experience and qualify these findings, and many encounter things that they can’t quite explain.”

The Loftus Hall Samhain Tours open to the public from October 17^th and visitors should expect some strange and inexplicable goings-on.

It’s not only ghost hunters who have documented ethereal activities at Loftus Hall.  Following last year’s viral “ghost photo” which hit the international headlines when tourist Thomas Beavis snapped what appeared to be a ghostly apparition in the porch way of the Hall, another visitor to Loftus Hall, Tara McMeel also captured some strange ghostly apparitions in a “selfie” shot.

The continuous visitor feedback regarding unnatural experiences, and tangible captures of evidence such as this, keeps world-wide curiosity rife about Loftus Hall and its ominous past.

Mr. Quigley revealed, “Without giving too much away about the newly designed family or adult Samhain tours, I can confirm they will both feature the re-enactment of the much heralded, infamous “dark stranger” episode.  Charles Tottenham Loftus, the then custodian of the Hall in the 18^th century, invited a stranger to play cards.  During the card game, as his daughter Anne who was captivated by this stranger, bent to retrieve a fallen playing card, she discovered that the invited guest had cloven hooves.  The stranger flew into a fiery rage, crashing through the roof leaving in his wake a smell of sulphur and brimstone, and the very same roof has been irreparable ever since. This Legend is synonymous with Loftus Hall, and is a fundamental part of the houses spectral history.”

If you want to experience Samhain in an authentic haunted house, Loftus Hall Hall’oween tours commence from October 17^th with a range of family tours each day, adult night tours on October 24^th, 25^th, 30^th and 31^st, and the ultimate Halloween Paranormal Investigation Lockdown on the 7^th November.

To find out more about the Daily Halloween Tours, Adult Night tours, or the Loftus Hall Halloween Lockdown at Loftus Hall visit www.loftushall.ie or call 051 397728.

Rotary Club Film night brings Spectre to Waterford

The Rotary Club of Waterford is proud to present a special ‘Premiere Sequel’ screening of the latest Bond movie ‘Spectre’.

This charity evening takes place at Waterford Omniplex (former Regina) on Patrick Street on Tuesday October 27^th at 8pm.

Spectre

A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

Nora Widger, President of the Rotary Club of Waterford is looking forward to the event, “We at Waterford Rotary are delighted to return with another film night, and what a film! The Bond series is always exciting and popular and we expect a large number attending this eagerly anticipated film night.”

The Rotary Club of Waterford raised approximately €30,000 for charities in 2014, including local charities such as Waterford Hospice. Waterford Rotary Club is best known locally for the annual Memorial Christmas Tree in John Roberts Square. 

Tickets cost €25 (all of which goes to charity) and can be purchased Nolke Opticians Ardkeen or David M Breen & Co, Wallace House, Waterford.

Coffee House Lane brings home the Bronze!

With over 2,500 food and drink products entered in this year’s Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards competition, Waterford’s Coffee Warehouse brought bronze back to the Deise from Dingle.

Now in its eight year, the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition on the island of Ireland for quality Irish produce and Coffee Warehouse’s “Coffee House Lane Blend 1690” picked up the accolade in the best coffee category.

Coffee Warehouse is renowned for its Ponticelli brand and in April this year launched its new coffee brand, Coffee House Lane, in honour of Waterford’s coffee roasting tradition. 

Mark Bergin, founder of Coffee Warehouse was delighted to receive the award.  “It’s a fantastic boost for our company, and a great endorsement of a new coffee blend that was only launched six months ago.  Not only is it a bonus to receive recognition from the Blas judging panel, it gives us the confidence to promote our coffee not just in Ireland, but throughout the UK and eventually Europe.”

“Exploring new export markets was always part of our business strategy, but the fact that Coffee House Lane now has a Blas na hEireann award for one of the best coffees in Ireland, will be hugely advantageous to our company.”

Mark also believes that the Blas na hEireann awards encourage food and drink producers to provide consumers with quality produce.  “Waterford is punching well above its weight in terms of good food and drink producers. There is a very passionate and proactive collective of Waterford growers, producers and retailers who are dedicated to supplying customers with good quality products and an enjoyable food experience.  Competitions, such as Blas na hEireann, encourage producers to aim for consistently high standards.”

Amongst the more renowned foodstuffs that originated in Waterford such as the blaa, rasher and cream cracker, coffee was roasted in Waterford back as far as 1690.  John Aikenhead was the visionary who first brewed and distributed coffee in Ireland, from his coffee house in the aptly named Coffee House Lane, and the Coffee House Lane Blend 1690 plays homage to the significant role Waterford played in bringing coffee to the Irish public.

In that past year Coffee Warehouse has increased its distribution exponentially since its participation in the SuperValu Food Academy “Start” and “Advance” programmes and is now stocked in 135 SuperValu stores throughout the country, Ardkeen Quality Food Store and numerous independent retailers.  Without the support of agencies such as Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Love Irish Food and SuperValu, Mark says, the company “would not be where it is today.”

Ciaran Cullen, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, congratulated Coffee Warehouse on its award.  “Mark and his team at Coffee Warehouse are dedicated to the pursuit of bringing good coffee to their customers.  By exploring and undertaking new and innovative roasting techniques and sourcing the finest coffee beans from Kenya, Sumatra, Ethiopia and Brazil, Coffee Warehouse has raised the bar for all coffee producers in the country.”

“Having been involved with the development of the brand concept of Coffee House Lane, with invaluable assistance from Eamonn McEneaney, Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford LEO is delighted that Coffee House Lane’s Blend 1690 was recognised at the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards.”

For more information about Coffee House Lane and the range of Coffee Warehouse blends visit www.ponticelli.ie or keep up to date with Coffee House Lane on Facebook and Twitter.

Free Dementia Care Workshops for Waterford Families during World Alzheimer’s Month

September marks the fourth global World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia.  

Home Instead Senior Care will run a series of free workshops for Waterford’s family carers to support them in taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The two hour workshops take place from 7pm to 9pm in Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Waterford on Monday, September 21^st and in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, on Tuesday, September 22^nd.

Family carers from the local community are invited to attend the workshops and learn practical caregiving techniques to support them in their role of family carer. Caregiving techniques will include:

· Suggested approaches when helping with personal care activities

· Understanding behavioural symptoms, and care approaches to help minimise actions

· Learning how to starting conversations for effective communication

· Recognising ways to prevent behavioural symptoms in the future

· Discovering ways to care for yourself so that you can remain a

  successful family carer

Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care Waterford said, “These workshops are of huge benefit and comfort to anyone who is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  It is very easy to become isolated and overwhelmed by the task of every day caregiving.  These workshops will help them feel less alone and learn about the supports that can make caregiving easier.”

Though research continues, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But until there is a cure, there is care. This workshop is specially designed for family carers and offers a personal approach to help families care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease at home. 60-70% of people with dementia in Ireland currently live at home in the community and rely on family carers.

Danette added, “Until there is a cure, we offer an interim solution.  The purpose of the family carer workshops is to support caregivers when it comes to understanding dementias and providing care at home for a loved one.”

The family carer training workshops take place from 7pm to 9pm in Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Waterford on Monday, September 21^st and from 7pm to 9pm in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on Tuesday, September 22^nd.

Places are free, though early booking is advised.  For further information call Waterford Home Instead Senior Care 051 333960 or 058 75298.  Alternatively email waterford@hiscwaterford.ie

Rapid Cabs new App - creating a high-tech taxi service

Waterford City’s Rapid Cabs  invests €200,000 this year on making its taxi service the most high tech outside Dublin.

Safety and security has always been paramount to Rapid Cabs, but now its new Rapid Cabs ‘Hotel Booker’ is the most modern, safest and smartest way to book a taxi in a hotel in Waterford.

Visitors to Waterford simply click to book a taxi, enter their name and telephone number and watch the taxi being dispatched and arriving at the hotel. The Rapid Cabs hotel taxi booker has six different languages to choose from including Spanish, French, Portuguese and Russian.

For locals the service is just as impressive, the new Rapid Cabs App is the most secure way to book a taxi with just two clicks. The app will show an image of the driver along with their name of the driver, registration of the taxi, the car make and model and the even the colour of the car.

The app gives customers an estimated time of arrival and cost of the fare, as well as the capacity to track the taxi and pay securely via debit or credit card. Booking notifications and emailed receipts are also standard, if required.

Rapid Cabs CEO Eric O’Brien, explains the importance of these advances, “Rapid Cabs are dominant in the taxi market in Waterford already, but in our business a reputation for safety and security is so important. We cannot take anything for granted, we need to push ourselves to invest and increase the level of service to our customers in order to stay at the top of our game. These investments and advancements are also required and expected in the corporate world, an area which we hope to grow in the next year or two.”

Rapid Cabs is a family run business located in Waterford City. Established in 2000 with only five taxis, it now has the largest range of taxis in the south east of Ireland, including taxis, hackneys, people carriers, wheelchair taxis and a large range of coaches.

All drivers are fully vetted by Garda and fully insured and licensed. Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs has a fully computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car computers in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.

The new App is available free on Apple and Android.

Waterford served up on a plate at Waterford Harvest Festival

With a tasty, jam – packed programme of events scheduled for Waterford Harvest Festival (September 11^th to 13^th), an exciting collaboration of Waterford restaurants is flying the flag for local producers.

The premise of this year’s Harvest Festival is Waterford Food Heroes and “EAT Waterford”, a collective of Waterford restaurants and hotels will champion the best of local produce.  Set in the Marquee on the Mall, in the heart of the Viking Triangle, diners will be able to enjoy a five course tasting menu, prepared by the participating restaurants using fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourced from local producers.

Paul Power, Head Chef with Waterford’s Bellissimo Restaurant, a member of EAT Waterford, outlined the group’s food philosophy and how EAT Waterford is committed to shining the spotlight on Waterford as a burgeoning food tourism destination.

“The last ten years have seen an exciting, passionate food movement in Waterford.  There has been the development of a food philosophy that values local and regional produce and from that ensures the best dining experience for customers.”

“Waterford and its surrounds are spoilt with a fantastic array of great growers and producers and, of course, natural resources, so there is no excuse for restaurants to provide sub-standard dining experiences.”

All of the EAT Waterford restaurants are ardent supporters of artisan producers and there is currently an exciting cohort of such producers in Waterford.  The home of the blaa, rashers and even the humble cream cracker has inspired a generation of local producers of great meat, seafood, breads, vegetables, beer and spirits.

“In the last decade, Waterford producers, growers, chefs and restaurants began to sing from the same hymn sheet.  Working in tandem, from grass roots level to the dining table, has resulted in a more enjoyable, positive, memorable experience for diners in Waterford city.”

“EAT Waterford was formed earlier this year to harness local restaurants that adhere to a similar food philosophy and those that recognise the value of working together to raise the profile of our vibrant restaurant scene.”

The EAT Waterford Marquee on the Mall takes place throughout Waterford Harvest Festival with sittings at 7pm on Friday, September 11^th, 1pm, 5pm and 8.30pm on Saturday, September 12^th and 2pm  on Sunday, September 13^th.

Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.ie or from  participating restaurants; Loko, La Boheme, L’Atmosphere, Bellissimo and Zak’s Restaurant (Athenaeum House Hotel).

Not only will Waterford Harvest Festival be the home of the Marquee on the Mall dining experience, there is an emphasis on all things fun, food and family. 

The wide and eclectic programme of free events for all includes the Festival Market on the Mall, Farm to Fork, The Big Taste, Enterprising Food Market, Trad Craft Corner, Harvest Time in the Garden, The Ballybricken Festival Fair, Harvest Kitchen and Play ‘n’ Picnic in the Park.

This year’s festival promises a congruence of sights, sounds, tastes and aromas with cookery demonstrations, foodie films, tastings and workshops, all making Waterford City one big street party for Harvest weekend.

All roads lead to Waterford from September 11^th to 13th.  If you want to know more, the Waterford Harvest Festival full programme of events is available on www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie

Be sure to keep up to date on all things Harvest Fest by checking it out on Facebook and Twitter #WaterfoodHeroes and #WhattheFork

Local food producer to speak about Waterford’s rising food reputation!

As part of the Harvest Festival in September the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford will host its annual ‘Enterprising Food Lunch’ on Friday, September 11^th in Dooley’s Hotel.

The key note speaker at the lunch will be Dermot Walsh, co-owner of Walsh’s Bakehouse (formerly M&D Bakeries), a third generation family bakery. This lunch is a celebration of food in Waterford. With the assistance of Love Irish Food, diners will enjoy the best east and west Waterford has to offer.

One of the most famous offerings in the Walsh’s Bakehouse portfolio is the Waterford Blaa.  In 2013, the Waterford Blaa received the highest recognition as a quality European foodstuff – Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.  This prestigious designation meant that the Waterford Blaa could claim its place among the ranks of internationally renowned products such as Italy’s Parma Ham, France’s Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Greece’s Kalamata Olive Oil. 

Driven by the The Blaa Bakers Association, which consists of Walsh’s Bakehouse, Hickey’s Bakery, Barron’s Bakery and Kilmacow Bakery, the group, between them, produce over 100,000 blaas weekly.

Mr. Walsh added, “Since the awarding of PGI status, the blaa can be found throughout Ireland, the UK, France, the U.S. and now in the Middle East.  It’s been an exciting journey for the once humble Waterford foodstuff that can trace its origins back to the 1690’s.”

Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise, LEO Waterford commented on the importance of the event, “The Enterprising Food Lunch has become a popular event during Waterford Harvest Festival and we are delighted to have such an inspirational speaker this year. This industry has grown exponentially throughout Waterford.  With its rich and fertile hinterlands and seas, and such an abundant trading heritage, Waterford has been fortunate to have a proliferation of quality food producers.  The Enterprising Food Lunch is important, to celebrate what we have, but also to inspire others to enter the food business.”

The lunch will also serve as the launch platform of the Harvest Festival.  Being the first event of the festival weekend it is a fitting and appropriate start to the festivities.

Waterford Harvest Festival Chair, Paul Nolan (Business Development Manager of Dawn Meats), “We are delighted to link up with the Local Enterprise Office for this Enterprising Food Lunch, the food industry has always been very strong in Waterford and I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to launch the Harvest Festival”.

Tickets (just €15) for this lunch can be purchased from the Customer Services Department, Bailey’s New Street, Waterford Tel 0761 10 20 20 (street at side of Reginald’s Tower) or Customer Services Dept. Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Tel 058 22 00 0.

Early booking is advised.

The Local Enterprise Office offers support services for start-up and existing SME’s in Waterford City and County. For more information on food production assistance please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 32 the Mall.  Tel 0761 09 99 05 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .  

A time of change at Rotary Club of Waterford

It’s all change at the top as Nora Widger takes up the reins as president of the Rotary Club of Waterford. Ms. Widger was welcomed as the new president of Rotary Club of Waterford on the 20th July by outgoing President Anne Marie Caulfield.

Ms. Widger has been a Rotarian for 6 years and her fellow members were delighted to welcome her in as their new president for the forthcoming year.

Ms. Widger said: “I am honoured and privileged to become the President of Waterford Rotary Club for 2015/2016. Through the many projects and events which Waterford Rotary run the Club provides community service to both local and international communities.  This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian - the chance to do something for somebody else and the self fulfillment and satisfaction that comes in the process . Waterford Rotary Club is in existence for 47 years and I am looking forward to ensuring that the dedicated work undertaken in the past is continued in my year as President".

  

Ms. Widger is a well-known Waterford City business woman. She previously managed Bank of Ireland Branches in Tramore, Dungarvan and Waterford City and more recently worked as Senior Manager on the Banks Customer Experience Programme. A  previous President of Waterford Chamber, Nora continues as a director of the Chamber. Nora also sits on the board of SEBIC, on the BOM of Butlerstown School and is a committee member of Butlerstown GAA Club.

  

The Rotary Club of Waterford, Ireland is a very active club with dedicated members working on many projects throughout each year. The past 12 months have been particularly busy for former president Anne Marie Caulfield, with the Rotary Club of Waterford presenting  a total of €20,000 to a number of local  charities including Waterford Hospice, The Ronald McDonald House, Pieta House, St Vincent de Paul and Solas.  €5,500 was sent internationally to support the  Rotary Shelter Boxes for Nepal, Rotary Sand Dam Water Project and the Belarus Dental Project.  

The club is active all year round organising activities such as charity cycles, celebrity chef nights, community events and of course the annual memorial Christmas Tree and their very successful annual Senior CItizens event which is held on Shrove Tuesday annually.

Waterford Rotary meets every Monday except Bank Holidays in Tower Hotel Waterford, Ireland at 1pm until 2pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of Rotary Club of Waterford full details can be found on the Rotary Club website or by contacting president@waterfordtotary.org. 

Whitfield Clinic receives ISO 9001

Mr. David Beirne, CEO of Whitfield Clinic being presented with the ISO 9001:2008 certificate for Cleaning Services at Whitfield Clinic by Mr. John O Carroll, Managing Director of Zehnacker Healthcare Ireland.

This award represents Whitfield Clinic’s commitment to total quality management; a continually improving process approach implemented throughout the hospital. Critical cleaning processes and their interactions are understood and documented, with a strong organisational commitment to all the facets of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. The quality management system is verified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) with the aim of improving the quality, the design, the performance and the safety of the Cleaning Services at Whitfield Clinic.

Whitfield CEO David Beirne emphasises the importance of this award, “Hygiene standards are a vital component of the service we provide. This award provides an independent recognition of the standards we demand internally. It recognises the measures our clinical team put in place, and the efforts of our staff and partners to implement these measures. We are all very proud to receive this recognition.”

NAS Training Centre workshop to help family Carers

The NAS Training Centre has devised the “People Moving” workshop in order to provide family members and carers with practical guidelines and vital information about the moving and handling of people in their care.

The course is for those who look after family members in their own homes and the content focuses on back care, safe moving techniques, including moving people that are being cared for in bed, helping a person get up out of bed/into bed, helping someone walk that requires assistance, and equipment demonstrations.

Danette Connolly, Director of NAS Training said the premise of the course is to ensure that carers have the knowledge and skills to ensure that moving people is done with less effort and the upmost comfort.

“There is a growing number of carers in Ireland.  In fact, between 2004 and 2014 the number of people in receipt of a carer’s allowance has increased from 23,000 to 57,200.”

“The degree of care varies from person to person, however any carer who has to move a family member needs to ensure not only are they doing it correctly, but that they are safeguarding themselves against injury.”

The three hour workshop covers a wide range of techniques such as chair to chair transfers, log rolls, sitting and repositioning, use of equipment such as wheelchairs and transfer boards and hoist demonstrations, the same techniques nurses and carers use.

Taking place each Tuesday afternoon in NAS’s state of the art training facility at Cleaboy Business Park, Waterford booking is essential.

To find out more about the courses on offer at the NAS Training Centre or to book your place today call NAS Training Centre on 051 333960 or check out www.nas.ie

Rapid Cabs, taking care of the aged seriously

Any business who deals with Waterford Seniors over 50,000 times each year needs to take its duty of care seriously.

That is why Rapid Cabs taxi company has teamed up with NAS Centre & Home Instead Senior Care to make sure its drivers are qualified and competent when it comes to their safety and the safety and security of senior passengers.

The first Phase of the training Rapid Cabs has signed up for includes is Manual Handling & People moving training being delivered by the NAS Centre.  This is to equip the drivers with the necessary skills to assist their customers into the car in manner that is safe for themselves and the customer.  This could be using the wheelchair ramps or simply a helping hand getting into the passenger seat. Home Instead Senior Care will provide senior safety awareness and dementia awareness training to the drivers.

Rapid Cabs Managing Director Eric O’Brien, explains why this training is so important, “All progressive businesses are constantly seeking to provide a better service to their customers and improve. Everyone at Rapid Cabs feels strongly that they have a responsibility to their customers. This responsibility is even more important to our more vulnerable passengers. Our drivers need to know how to help each and every customer when they need us. That is why we decided to undertake this training. It’s a signal to the public and to ourselves they we must continue to improve and develop as a business and as people.”

Michael Connolly, Managing Director of NAS Centre was delighted to be approached by Rapid Cabs, “This is exactly the progressive thinking which we value. We have given this form of training many times but never to this profession. We are pleased Rapid Cabs has shown the foresight and responsibility of care required in their industry.”

‘Better understanding of the needs of seniors will really enhance the customer service being provided by Rapid Cabs and we are delighted to help them’. Danette Connolly, Director of Care Home Instead Senior Care explains.

Rapid Cabs is a family run business located in Waterford City. Established in 2000 with only five taxis, it now has the largest range of taxis in the south east of Ireland, including taxis, hackneys, people carriers, wheelchair taxis and a large range of coaches.

Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs has a fully computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car computers in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.

Rapid Response is the company’s automated priority booking service, when you register your telephone number and your four main pick up locations with Rapid Cabs their system detects your landline number and asks you to confirm your address so you can literally book a taxi in seconds. This service is particularly important to the elderly who regularly use the Rapid Cabs service and enjoy the security if gives.

Eric and his team are committed to providing customer service, security and safety, rapid response and accessibility. These are the core elements to the Rapid Cabs business and the reasons why they have grown over the past fifteen years.

Home Instead Senior Care offers tips on holidaying with seniors

While many of us are making holiday plans that ensure our children are happy and entertained, many of us are also planning a holiday with a senior relative or family friend.

Home Instead Senior Care, which provides care for seniors in their own home, is issuing tips and advice to ensure that the summer holidays are relaxing and hassle free for all involved.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead, Waterford, the number of families inviting grandparents on holidays has increased in recent years.  “There are a number of reasons for grandparents being invited on holidays.  It’s traditionally an opportunity to spend quality time with all generations, leaving behind everyday worries and stresses.  However, we firmly believe that inviting a grandparent needs to be for the right reasons.”

Danette added, “In 2014, a survey conducted by online travel agency sunshine.co.uk revealed that 61% of over 2,000 UK families questioned, invited other family members on holiday with them.  Of these, a massive 67% admitted it was so the grandparents could keep an eye on their children and give them a break.  What’s even more telling is that 42% admitted that the grandparents weren’t all that keen on the idea.”

The reality is that grandparents should not be brought on holidays as full time babysitters, no matter how well meaning the intentions are. Danette added, “This situation can lead to family tension and in many cases, resentment.  If you are inviting a grandparent on holiday it is important to remember that it is also a time for them to relax, explore, and enjoy the holiday and not be responsible 24/7 for young children.”

If you are planning a holiday with a grandparent or older relative, Home Instead Senior Care advises:

Discussion:  have a discussion about what type of holiday your senior relative would enjoy; cultural, adventure, a city break.  A two week adventure park holiday might not be the relaxing holiday your older relative had in mind.

Preparation:  before you travel, ensure you have a written summary of any medical conditions or medications that your travelling companion has / takes.  Also ensure you are aware of the proximity of hospitals, G.P.’s and pharmacies in the area.

Travel insurance / healthcare: As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there.  It is worthwhile applying for a European Health Insurance Card – one card is required for each individual or family member.

Try to keep set schedules:  Change of routine and climate can contribute to dehydration and constipation.  Try not to alter the daily pattern too much, for example eating much later in the evening than usual can lead to stress, sleeping and digestion difficulties.

 Budget:  Many seniors are on fixed incomes, so keep spend on food, travel and gifts to a minimum.  Agree a realistic budget and stick to it.

 Keep cool:  Sunscreen should always be worn by an older person, even if they only go outside for a short time, as their skin is much thinner and can burn easily. A wide-brimmed hat that shades the face and covers the head is advisable if going outdoors in the heat.

For more information about travelling / holidaying with a senior family member or friend, call Home Instead Senior Care Waterford on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie.

                                                            -ENDS-

*Source: Mail on Line - 21 March 2014

Whitfield Clinic hosts 3rd Hip and Groin sports injury Symposium

150 delegates travelled from all over Ireland to Waterford’s Whitfield Clinic on Saturday April 18th for the 3rd Hip and Groin Symposium.  

The highlight of event was a live arthroscopic hip operation performed on-site by Mr. Patrick Carton to demonstrate the treatment of Hip Impingement.

Mr. Carton organised the event to bring together specialists in hip and groin sports surgery, as well as national experts in sports rehabilitation, to discuss many of the difficulties surrounding hip and groin sports injury and its management.

The symposium, chaired by Mr. Tadgh O’Sullivan consisted of a number of presentations on the diagnosis and management of chronic groin and hip conditions commonly associated with sports.

This year the symposium featured a ‘live’ arthroscopic hip operation performed by Mr. Patrick Carton of Whitfield Clinic, a specialist in sports surgery of the hip and groin. The live operation session was streamed to the conference meeting and moderated by Mr. Antonio Andrade, who provided commentary on the procedure and facilitated the interaction between delegates and the surgical team.

The guest speakers were highly regarded as specialists in their fields and included Mr. Antonio Andrade, internationally renowned hip surgeon and host chairman for the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) annual conference 2015; Dr. Alan Byrne, sports physician and medical director for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI); Mr. David Lyons, senior physiotherapist (St. Mary’s Rugby and IRFU) and medical coordinator of Kildare GAA.

The aim of the event was to create awareness and update practitioners of the recent advances in the diagnosis, investigation and management of both acute and chronic injury to the hip and groin.

This is a prominent and common issue within sport with many of the country’s top athletes returning to sport following hip surgery under the care of Mr Patrick Carton including GAA All-Ireland winners Conor McGrath (Clare), Eoin Larkin and Richie Power (Kilkenny) and Ireland soccer international Keith Fahey to name but a few. Players travel from all over Ireland and from aboard to undergo this pioneering hip surgery at Whitfield Clinic.

Mr Carton was delighted with the success of the event, “Over the past ten years we have perfected our hip surgery, performing a keyhole ‘Sports Hip Repair’ which is unique to Whitfield Clinic.  It was fantastic to see so many sports doctors and physiotherapists travelling to Waterford to watch the surgery live; it will give them a much better understanding of what we do and help with rehabilitation of the athletes. The symposium was a great success”

For further information, please visit www.whitfieldclinic.ie 

Waterford Country Fair shines the spotlight on country life and country living

On June 14^th Mount Congreve Gardens will host the first Waterford Country Fair, a festival celebrating the very best of country life and country living.

The one day event will feature a host of field sports and country pursuits including dressage, side saddle displays and sheep dog trials, along with falconry, beekeeping, artisan craft producers and local food producers.

Jo Breheny, Chair of the Waterford Country Fair is delighted with the reaction to the festival so far.  “A few months ago, some friends and I discussed the idea of a festival that showcases the best of country pursuits, but we also wanted to ensure it was a festival that would have a wide appeal to all ages.  We formed a dedicated committee, spoke to some local businesses and so far, have received phenomenal support from the business community.”

“The day itself will have something for everyone, not just those with an interest in equestrian and country pursuits.  There will be pony club games, sheep dog trials, and dressage.  There will be an exciting falconry display as visitors can learn more about these majestic birds, hot-shoeing farrier demonstrations, carriage driving displays, beekeepers will give a fascinating insight into the busy life of bees, traditional artisan crafts such as basket weaving and some of the county’s finest food producers will have stalls at the event.”

The event setting couldn’t be more stunning.  Mount Congreve Gardens are regarded as “one of the great gardens of the world.”   Situated just outside Kilmeaden in Co. Waterford the gardens consist of seventy acres of planted woodland gardens and a four acre walled garden. 

Ray Sinnott, Mount Congreve Estate Manager, is looking forward to hosting the Waterford Country Fair.  “The festival and the gardens complement each other very well.  The Fair will put the focus on country living and we believe that Mount Congreve Estate is the perfect example of country living at its best.  We have wide open spaces to accommodate the myriad of events on the day with plenty of room for country pursuits’ enthusiasts, families and tourists.  Visitors will also have the chance to explore the largest collection of plants in Ireland and thousands of trees and shrubs.”

The Waterford Country Fair will also work with the charity CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young.  According to Ms. Breheny, “We chose CRY as our charity partner in order to raise awareness of the crucial work this organization does tirelessly.  It raises awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome, provides free counselling and support for families affected by sudden cardiac death and supports the Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Younger Persons.  We hope the day will help spread the message about sudden cardiac death syndrome and raise funds for this remarkable charity.”

To find out more about Waterford Country Fair, which takes place at Mount Congreve Gardens on Sunday, June 14^th, visit www.mountcongreve.com or keep up to date with Facebook and Twitter

Something’s brewing at Coffee House Lane

When you think of some of the great foodstuffs that originated in Waterford you can’t but help think of the blaa, rashers or even cream crackers.  But, one of Waterford’s better kept secrets is coffee, and a Waterford company, is reviving the tradition of coffee roasting.

The Coffee Warehouse is renowned for its Ponticelli brand and has just launched a new coffee brand, Coffee House Lane, in honour of Waterford’s coffee roasting tradition.  Back in the late 17^th century, John Aikenhead was the visionary who first brewed and distributed coffee in Ireland, from his coffee house in the aptly named Coffee House Lane. 

Mark Bergin, founder of the Coffee Warehouse, has a long association with coffee, with Ponticelli being the first brand created by the company in 2009.  Then in 2011, Mark invested in a coffee roaster and exclusively roasts at its Kilcohan facility.

“Ours is a labour of love”, said Mark.  “My father has been working with coffee since the 60’s and it was only a matter of time before I got into coffee too.  After we acquired the coffee roaster in 2011 we knew we wanted to pay tribute to the true home of coffee in Ireland, Coffee House Lane.  We have created Blend 1690, which is a medium to dark roast.  The slow roasting of the beans gives a sweetness to the blend, which balances the deep earthiness of a dark roast.”

“Not many people know that Waterford led the way in coffee roasting in Ireland over 300 years ago and I am confident that it is a tradition we can revive on a large scale.”

The venture would not have been the success it has been without local and national support.  “We have had the good fortune to work with support agencies such as Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Love Irish Food and, of course, SuperValu which now stocks our product in 62 stores throughout the country.”

Sourcing the finest coffee beans from around the world, the beans, which are green at this stage are roasted between 180ºC and 230ºC for 14 to 20 minutes. The length of time roasting has an impact on colour, aroma and moisture.  The Coffee House Lane beans are roasted for longer, thus giving them a darker colour and richer roast flavour.  The popularity of the blend is also a reflection of the evolving Irish palate.

Waterford Local Enterprise Office has backed the venture since Day One.  According to Ciaran Cullen, it is a proud Waterford tradition that deserves to be revived.  “When Mark approached us about investing in a roaster we heartily concurred that coffee roasting should be encouraged, promoted and nurtured in its Irish birthplace.”

“The food and beverage landscape in Waterford is one of the most vibrant in the country.  Entrepreneurs and small producers are creating an exciting portfolio of high quality, great tasting local produce and at Waterford LEO we are delighted to be part of a movement that shines the spotlight on Waterford’s taste revolution.”

Keep up to date with Coffee House Lane on Facebook and Twitter.

Alternatively if you have an inspirational food idea and what to know what assistance is available to you, talk to Waterford Local Enterprise Office.  Call 051 849905 or visit www.localenterprise.ie/waterford/