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

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

Family carer and senior citizen guidebook-free resource for family and older people.

More than 50,000 people in Ireland are caregivers for elder parents and relatives, almost one third of the adult population. The caregiving role can be rewarding but it’s also one of high stress, low recognition and family strain.

It is always essential that people make informed decisions when it involves care for their loved ones and also paramount that carers look after themselves so as to continue with their caring role. The Family Carer and Senior Citizen Guidebook brings together practical advice and information to encourage and support these men and women who give so much for their ageing loved ones.

“Being a caregiver can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed by the work and the demands of those receiving their care. Over time caregivers pay a high emotional, physical, social and financial price for caring and giving.”

“The Family Carer and Senior Citizen Guidebook is a support to caregivers and encourages them in their labour of love” says Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford.

Produced by Home Instead Senior Care with the support of Age Action, Nursing Homes Ireland and Age and Opportunity the guidebook provides a comprehensive overview of ageing issues and supports available in Ireland including: Allowances and Entitlements, Financial Advice, Legal Information, Community Support and Care Options.

The information and advice available is for family carers and older people making it easier to navigate the caring and ageing terrain in Ireland. The guidebook also contains real life stories and case studies from people who age “ successfully “- these are people who are prepared for their senior years or have cared for ageing loved ones and taken steps to safeguard their health, safety, social and family needs.

“While ageing and caring for loved ones may present many challenges, it presents an opportunity to continue to live a happy, healthy and independent life. We encourage older people and family carers alike to take the time to read the guidebook and stop, think and plan for the future and think about what is necessary to age successfully” advises Danette.

Your free copy of the Family Carer and Senior Citizen Guidebook is available from local G.P.’s and pharmacies or why not come along and collect it from the Home Instead information stand at Dungarvan Shopping Centre on Friday March 27th where the Home Instead team will be available to answer any questions you may have on the carer’s role or ageing successfully.

For more information on our homecare options or to arrange a FREE Care Consultation call 058 75298 or visit www. homeinstead.ie  

Top Christmas gift ideas for Waterford Grandparents

As Christmas approaches, many people struggle to find the perfect gift for grandparents and elderly loved ones. To help make gift-giving for grandparents easier, Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland's trusted source of home care for seniors, has studied over 12,000 senior requests for presents and compiled a list of the most popular items, which includes:

·        Gift certificates to restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores or fuel cards for people who drive.

·        Vouchers for or a delivery of coal, briquettes or oil

·        Personal items such as hand and body lotions and creams

·         Blankets, robes and slippers

·        Books and magazine subscriptions

·        Crossword and puzzle books
·        Hats, mittens and gloves
·        Towels and washcloths
·        Boxed chocolates, or sweets
·        Stamps and stationery
·        Nightlights, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
·        Bird feeders or plants.
·        Payment of an annual bill / subscription, e.g. TV, phone, broadband.

Wishing Ireland's seniors a happy Christmas, Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care Waterford said, "At Home Instead Senior Care we encourage younger people in the community to remember their elderly loved ones during this festive season.

Giving a small gift like a box of chocolates or comfortable slippers is a simple gesture can really make senior feel loved and remembered. Of course the best gift you can give a senior is your love and time so remember to spend some time with elderly loved ones during the holiday season". 

Home Instead advises "Keep seniors warm and safe this Winter"

Forecasters are predicting that Ireland is set for its coldest winter in years and Home Instead Senior Care is advising that preparations be made to help seniors deal with the big freeze.

With sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall set to grip Ireland over the next few months, Danette Connolly, Director of Care with Home Instead Waterford, says that there are some useful tips and practices that can be put in place to ensure our senior relatives, friends and neighbours stay warm, safe and cared for this winter.

“We are an ageing population with over 10% of people aged over 65 and at risk of poverty.  We have a duty of care to our ageing parents, grandparents and neighbours and by looking after their interests this winter, we can help alleviate the hardship that comes with a particularly severe winter.”

“By regularly visiting the home of a senior person, one should be able to identify the areas that can be improved.  For example, make sure the house is well stocked with the essentials, such as batteries for the smoke alarm, medicines, particularly repeat prescriptions and plenty of tinned fruit and veg and non-perishables such as pasta and rice.”

Ms. Connolly advised that encouraging our senior relatives to wear several thin layers of clothes, instead of one heavy layer and to keep all internal windows and door closed to keep heat in, will keep them warmer longer throughout the day

“It is crucial that seniors eat regular hot meals, as the body keeps warm by burning the food we eat.  Porridge is an excellent source of nutrients, it’s quick and easy to prepare and fuels the body for hours.”

Other tips include:

• De – ice pathways of snow and ice using salt or sand
• Clear pathways of wet leaves, which pose a trip hazard
• Keep all emergency / contact numbers close at hand
• Block draughts and keep curtains closed at night to retain heat
• Ensure electrical devices are unplugged at night

Ms. Connolly continued “Many older people can feel vulnerable as the evenings are much darker, colder and longer.  Please, when possible, visit your older relatives and neighbours.  Sometimes, bringing a gift such as a bale of briquettes or doing a grocery shop for them can be much more practical and useful than bringing a box of chocolates.”

This winter, if you are concerned about the welfare of a senior family relative or neighbor, visit www.homeinstead.ie or call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966.  Home Instead Senior Care can provide advice on the best solutions to looking after our seniors. 

Home Instead also offers an array of senior care services such as light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation, transport and companionship, up to and including personal care, dementia care, post hospital care and disability care.

Eleanor wins Waterford CAREGiver of the Year title

Eleanor Fox was announced as the overall 

winner of Waterford’s Home Instead

Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year awards.  Eleanor will now go on to represent Waterford in the national CAREGiver of the Year awards which will take place later this year.

A Waterford native, Eleanor is Home Instead Senior Care’s longest serving CAREGiver, clocking up almost 6,000 hours of care for her 50 clients.  Eleanor was a popular choice amongst the adjudicating panel, which consisted of Barbara Murphy, Manager of Older People Services, Nick Donnelly, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and Anne Corcoran Browne, daughter of popular and well-regarded Waterfordian, Denny Corcoran, who was formerly a client of Home Instead Senior Care.

According to Director of Care at Home Instead, Danette Connolly, Eleanor was a very worthy winner of the prestigious title. “To Eleanor each person she cares for is much more than just a client and indeed many of them and their families have come to regard Eleanor as a friend.  This is most likely because Eleanor treats each client as a friend and not a frail, sick or frightened senior.”

“Eleanor has truly embraced the philosophies of Home Instead Senior Care.  She is a superb example of a CAREGiver that lives Home Instead Senior Care by building trust, taking the lead and sharing her heart with her clients”, Danette added.

Now in its fourth year the awards recognise and reward the work of Waterford’s CAREGivers.  According to Nick Donnelly, Adjudicator, “It is refreshing to see a company such as Home Instead place so much emphasis on the role of their carers, by investing in them and ensuring that their clients reap the rewards of the best possible service.”

“The work of the CAREGiver is invaluable and often goes unrecognised.  The decision was a difficult one to make as there are so many dedicated and compassionate carers in the city and county.  Each and every one of them has brought something good to the lives of their clients.”

Other awards on the evening included the CAREGiver Award for the most promising new recruit, the longest service award, the CAREGiver Award for the CAREGiver who is currently a Student and Length of Service Pins were presented to 46 recipients.

To find out more about the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver awards or the work of Home Instead Senior Care call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

Free Alzheimer’s Training during World Alzheimer's Month

Home Instead Senior Care in Waterford is offering a unique approach to help local families manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, diseases that eventually rob older people of their memories and independence.

Free training for families’ caregivers is now available through three training workshops taking place on September, 17^th, 18^th and 19^th in Waterford and Dungarvan.

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 caregivers 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 caregivers.

“Until there is a cure, we offer an interim solution,” said Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford. “The purpose of the Alzheimer’s Confidence to Care Workshop is to support family caregivers when it comes to understanding dementias and providing care at home for a loved one.”

                                                                                               

The Home Instead Senior Care network assembled the top experts in Alzheimer’s disease across the globe to develop this new training and support programme for family caregivers. “The training we’re offering to families is the same kind of training our professional caregivers receive. We want to support family caregivers, help them better understand this condition and encourage them care for themselves while also caring for loved ones,” Danette noted.

The workshop for family caregivers consists of four classes: Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias Overview; Capturing Life’s Journey; Techniques to Manage Behaviours; and Activities to Encourage Engagement. A free kit is available for those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Also called Confidence to Care, the kit includes advice and resources to help families keep the home safe for a person with a dementia as well as advice on caring for the caregiver.

“Confidence to Care is a wonderful hands-on approach that helps caregivers deal with the behavioural changes that too often accompany these disorders – one of the biggest stressors for caregivers.” said Dr. Jane F. Potter, who served on the expert panel to help develop content for the Alzheimer’s Confidence to Care training workshop.

“It is our intention that this workshop is a support to the many families in our area who are being impacted each day by this devastating disease,” Danette added.

The free Confidence to Care workshops take place in Home Instead Senior Care, Cleaboy Business Park on September 17^th from 6pm to 9pm and September 19^th from 2pm to 5pm.  The Dungarvan workshop takes place on September 18^th from 2pm to 5pm at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital.

 For further information, contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office at 051 333960 or visit www.homeinstead.ie.

Home Instead Senior Care launches ‘Age Loudly’ with Senior Citizen: The Essential Guidebook 2014

Home Instead Senior Care recently launched its free annual handbook and guide “Senior Citizen: The Essential Guidebook 2014”, which is now available throughout Waterford city and county.  This latest edition calls on older people in Ireland to ‘Age Loudly’ in 2014 and is supported by Age Action, HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland.

So what exactly is ‘ageing loudly’?  According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care Waterford, ageing loudly is arming our senior population with resources and information to make life easier.

“Knowledge is power and we believe that this knowledge is crucial in making informed decisions.  The free Essential Guidebook contains quality, relevant and topical information on a vast range of everyday issues.  There is information on issues such as allowances and entitlements, medical advice, discovering new technology, health and nutrition tips and dementia and Alzheimer’s care.”

“The latest edition encourages older people to take personal responsibility for their future by supporting readers through ‘The Care Journey’ – a journey that seeks to maximise opportunities that enhance quality of life and prevents loss of independence for as long as possible”, she added.  

Information in the guide has been gathered and verified from experts in the various fields and is reliable, informative and engaging with the aim of supporting senior citizens and their families live life and age in an informed way so that they can be happy, healthy and independent for as long as possible.

Ed Murphy, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care said, “The Central Statistics Office predicts that, over the next 30 years, the number of people over the age of 65 will double and the number over 80 will quadruple.  Our ageing population is certainly one of humanity’s greatest triumphs.  But it is also one of our greatest challenges with increased economic and social demands on our country, in terms of our funding for quality health and social services, increased cost of living, changes to family and community settings with increased emigration, social isolation and so on.” 

The Senior Citizen Guidebook highlights key areas such as diet, exercise, socialisation, understanding your benefits and entitlements - your medical condition if you have one, appointing a power of attorney and considering your preferred care options for later life.  “Arming yourself with this knowledge will help Ireland create a very much needed culture of care planning, and we believe this is the key foundation to successful ageing.  We want Ireland’s culture to evolve to see care planning as the necessary and smart option for seniors”, he added.

“Senior Citizen: The Essential Guidebook” features information on:

·                    Allowances and Entitlements for older people and carers

·                    Minding your Health

·                    Elder Abuse

·                    New Technology

·                    Keeping Safe at Home

·                    Home Care

·                    Nursing Homes

·                    Alzheimer’s and other Dementia Care

·                    Tips on Health & Fitness, Nutrition & Diet, Holidays & Travel

·                    Financial and Legal Information

·                    How to deal with Bereavement

·                    Directory of older people’s organisations

·                    Successful Ageing Checklist

You can pick up your free copy of Senior Citizen: The Essential Guidebook 2014 now from the Home Instead Senior Care Waterford office in the Cleaboy Business Park, local libraries (Ferrybank, Ardkeen and the Central Library), local pharmacies and Ardkeen Quality Foodstore, Dunmore Road on Friday, March 7^th from 10am to 5pm.

Log on to www.homeinstead.ie to download a pdf of the guide.

Caring for your senior relatives and friends this Christmas!

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly under way.  Traditionally a time for celebration and family, Christmas often has less cheerful connotations for the many seniors who are alone.

According to ALONE, which supports older people in need in Ireland, 10% of people aged over 65 are at risk of poverty and 120,000 older people live alone across the country.

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford, which provides care to seniors in their own homes is offering useful advice to ensure our senior relatives, friends and neighbours are safe, warm and cared for this winter.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead it is imperative that our seniors have a safe and happy Christmas. “We can all play a part in ensuring that Christmas is a highly enjoyable event for all.  Christmas is about friends, family and loved ones enjoying the festivities together.  However not all of our seniors have a friend or relative to call upon, so it is up to us to be mindful of their needs and to keep them company.”

Ms. Connolly stressed the importance of visiting elderly relatives and neighbours over the Christmas holidays. 

“Over the holiday season we tend to spend more time with our parents, grandparents or senior relatives so it is a good opportunity to make sure that they are looking after themselves properly, have sufficient food and heat and are safe in their homes”, she added.  “If you have a neighbour nearby that you know is alone, it is often a good idea to organise a rota for visits or to do some shopping for them so that they will see a friendly face every day.”

“Often, simply dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat can alleviate the loneliness of a senior with no family nearby.  Bringing a gift like a bale of briquettes or a hot dinner is practical and will go a lot further than a box of sweets or a cream cake.”

Ms. Connolly also advised that there are many warning signs to look out for that signal an ageing parent or relative needs more help at home. 

·        Do they seem to be eating well or is food spoiling in the fridge?

·        Have they stopped doing daily grooming rituals like taking a shower or fixing their hair?

·        Are they taking the right medications in the right doses at the right times?

·        Does their car have new scratches or dents?

·        Is mail or newspapers piling up without being read?

·        Are they using furniture, towel bars or shower curtains to pull themselves up to stand?

·        Are their paths and driveways ice free? Ensure that these are kept ice free with salt or sand.

·        Do they have access to emergency numbers and phone numbers of family and neighbours written down or stored in their phone?

·        Is there a supply of medication to get them through the holiday period?

 “If you are visiting a senior relative during the Christmas holidays be aware of things that may be changing for your senior relatives.  Be ready to spot the signs, have those tough conversations and help them get the support they need to remain happy and safe in their own home as long as possible.”

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford provides an array of senior care services such as light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation, transport and companionship, up to and including personal care, dementia care, post hospital care and disability care.

For further information about the services log onto www.homeinstead.ie or call 051 333966.

Home Instead Senior Care to provide Emergency Response to Waterford Seniors

Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with Tunstall Emergency Response to provide enhanced monitored protection for seniors. This pilot programme being rolled out in Waterford City is called HomeCARE support.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Waterford, the safety and security measures on offer will give seniors and their family members peace of mind and the HomeCARE support programme will ensure that a “responder” is at hand when needed. 

“We visit clients who have an Emergency Response Monitored system but don’t have family or friends that can respond should they need it anytime 24 hours a day.  What we now offer is that Home Instead Senior Care becomes their “first responders” in the case of an emergency.  As time is of the essence in urgent situations our team of CAREGivers and Community Responders can be at the home of a senior 24 hours a day bringing assurance to seniors and their family members.”

Danette added, “With advanced technology and monitoring a senior person is afforded more security and assurances.  If a person requires assistance they push the red button on a security pendent.  A connection is then made via their phone line or SIM card to the Emergency Response monitoring centre .The monitoring centre staff will then attempt to make contact with the client.  If they cannot make contact they will then make a call to the persons designated contact, and if the person is availing of HomeCARE support service Home Instead Senior Care will respond to the persons needs. “

Tunstall Emergency Response has provided tele-healthcare solutions for over 20 years and welcomed the partnership with Home Instead.  James Doyle, MD, Emergency Response said, “Home Instead has been delivering quality senior care in Waterford since 2009 and we felt that the fit was just right.  We are two companies that that share a clearly defined objective and that is to support seniors enabling them to live full, independent lives in their own homes.”

“With a team of dedicated CAREGivers and a vast range of home and personal monitoring solutions, seniors and particularly their families and carers can rest assured that they are more protected than ever.”

Home Instead opened its doors in Waterford in 2009 with just four staff and today it has cared for over 800 clients, employs 70 CAREGivers along with an office support team of 7, including 3 nurses.

To find out more about the services provided by Home Instead Senior Care Waterford you can visit www.homeinstead.ie or call 051 333966.

Waterford Hospice appoints new Chairperson

The Waterford Hospice Movement recently appointed Danette Connolly as the new Chairperson of the Board.

Ms. Connolly, who is Director of Care with Home Instead Senior Care Waterford and Director of Training at the NAS Centre, has been a board member since June 2013.  Speaking of the appointment, Danette said “I am delighted to have received the support of the board and intend to continue the hard work of the outgoing Hospice Chair Mr. Pat Gilhooly.”

“25 years ago a group of volunteers got together with the intention of providing palliative care for Waterford’s terminally ill.  As a result of their vision and determination the Waterford Hospice Movement has gone from strength to strength providing hospice care for patients with life threatening illnesses to those in Waterford city, county, South Kilkenny and surrounding areas.”

Danette added, “Back in 1988 there was a total of £2,500 available for services.  We now receive only a third of the required funding from the HSE and annually need to fund raise €400,000.  In addition to this we have committed to raising €6million for the completion of a state of the art 20 bed unit in the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital.”

Coupled with chairing the Waterford Hospice Board, Danette, a registered nurse has been active in raising awareness about issues pertinent to seniors such as Care Choices for seniors; osteoporosis and fall prevention; Positive Ageing solutions; lobbying for the regulation of care services for the 60,000 seniors throughout Ireland and also founded the Waterford Stroke Support group in 2010.

The new appointment was widely welcomed by the Hospice Board members, including Marie Cummins, Hospice Fundraising co-ordinator.  “I am both, in my capacity as a board member and personally, delighted that Danette has been appointed.  The main focus for the Waterford Hospice Movement is to provide hospice homecare services to those in Waterford and South Kilkenny.”

“Having worked on various projects with Danette over the years I am confident that she can drive the hospice movement assuring the best facilities, care and support services for those with terminal illnesses.”

Danette continued, “Although everyone of the board is committed to the fundraising drive to for the new unit this is in addition to our day to day services.  I’m grateful that we have the support of the public to achieve this goal.”

To find out more about the Waterford Hospice Movement visit www.waterfordhospice.ie, call 051 844847 or find them on Facebook.