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.

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, 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

Home Instead Senior Care Teams up with An Garda Síochána to Keep Seniors Safe

Given the increase in crimes against older people by bogus callers, Home Instead Senior Care is partnering with An Garda Síochána and sponsoring the provision of 300,000 bogus caller check cards to help older people feel safe.

Many people routinely employ door-to-door traders and repair people and unfortunately, some of these people carry out very little work and charge exorbitant amounts of money for their services. This is criminal behaviour and if you suspect bogus callers are in your area or are working in a vulnerable neighbour’s home, never hesitate in contacting the Gardaí immediately.

The initiative is supported by Home Instead Senior Care Waterford and according to Ray Power, Manager, Home Instead Senior Care, “It is a sad, but true fact of life that there are people out there who will take advantage of the elderly.  In many cases, seniors are seen as soft targets to extort money from by offering dubious and deceptive services.  We cannot stress enough the importance of checking the credentials of any service person who cold - calls to the door offering maintenance or repair services.”

“The provision of these bogus caller check cards will allow older people to feel more confident and secure in their own homes.  They are available from local GP’s and pharmacists across Waterford City and County.”

Genuine tradespeople will not be offended by any enquiries the Gardaí may make and may indeed welcome them. If an unknown person calls to the door, it is advised to give them a bogus caller check card to fill out their details. A genuine person will typically co-operate and not have a problem filling out the card and the older person will have peace of mind answering the door.

An Garda Síochána advise that the bogus caller check cards are used in the following manner:

• Look out the window

• Have a viewer fitted on your door

• Have a door chain fitted and keep the chain on

• Make sure your back door is locked before you go to the door

• Ask for ID – a genuine caller won’t mind

• Don’t be embarrassed to tell the caller to write and make an appointment

• The basic rule is: if you don’t know the person at your door, you shouldn’t let them in

• If anxious contact your local Garda station

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.

Keeping seniors safe in the sun!

The recent good weather has us flocking to the beaches, seeking out the shade and ensuring we are well protected with effective sun creams.

Whilst we all need to exercise caution during the warm spell, older people are at increased risk of heat related illness, especially if they live alone, have medical conditions or take certain medicines. 

In many cases being frail, not able to move as easily or having dementia can affect an elderly person’s ability to take adequate care of themselves in hot weather. 

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford has issued guidelines and advice to enable people to put together a plan for how to assist an older person to cope during extreme heat. 

• Arrange to check on an older person twice a day if you can during extreme heat, especially if he/she lives alone. If possible, do not rely on just talking on the phone, as you need to be able to make sure they are drinking enough water and assess any changes to their physical condition,

• Make sure the older person has a phone which will work during a power failure. If they have a safety alarm pendant, make sure this will work if the power was off.

• If an older person seems to be suffering from heat stress, they need to be cooled down immediately. Use cool baths, showers, or place cool, wet towels on their neck and underarms.

• Call a doctor or an ambulance if an older person’s condition does not improve within an hour after taking steps to cool them down, or if they have any heat related symptoms that are causing concern.

• People caring for others also need to look after themselves in extreme heat, or they put at risk their own health as well as their ability to care for others. 

Keeping Cool:

Try to encourage the older person to take simple steps to keep cool such as: rinsing a cloth in cool water and using it to wipe their arms and neck; sleeping with just a sheet over them; putting their feet in a bowl of cool water; making ice cubes from water or cordial and sucking them to keep cool; and/or putting a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to create a cool breeze.

Clothing and personal aids

Encourage them to wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing. 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.

Sunglasses should always be worn outside but make sure they are taken off before going inside to prevent an accident. Pausing inside for a few minutes is a good idea to help eyes adjust from the bright sunlight.

Check that wheelchairs, walkers and other metal equipment that may be used by an older person do not become hot to touch, as this can cause a burn.

Eating and drinking

Older people may not always be able to tell when they are thirsty so encourage them to drink water regularly, unless their doctor has advised them to limit the amount of fluid they drink.  It is a good idea for an older person to have a water bottle with them at all times in the heat to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Encourage them to eat smaller meals more often during hot weather. Using stoves or ovens less often also keeps the temperature cooler in their home and reduces the risk of accidentally leaving them on.

Medicines

If they take prescribed medicines, they must continue to take these during periods of extreme heat.  Some medicines can make an older person more prone to sunburn and heat stress, so extra care should be taken to watch for signs that they are becoming affected by the heat. If you need more advice on particular medicines, speak to a pharmacist or a G.P.

 

If you are concerned about a senior family member or friend, call Home Instead Senior Care Waterford on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie.

First Annual Marigold Festival for South East's seniors

Waterford will host the first annual Marigold Festival on Tuesday, May 13^th in the Tower Hotel. The event is free of charge and will share the latest insights on how to live a healthy and active life and to maintain that lifestyle well into retirement. 

Author and former governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Lonergan will be the guest of honour and will be on hand to speak about what active retirement means to him. He said, “Sometimes for those of us approaching our older years, we may slow down and become less active. The Marigold Festival is a reminder that life is for living and that we can continue to live a fun, full and active life no matter our age. It’s an opportunity for the local community to come together and help each other to live life to the full whether we are 30, 60 or 80 years of age”. 

Other interesting guests include Dr Sabina Brennan of Trinity College Dublin who will talk about the importance of maintaining a healthy and active mind. 

A carvery lunch is available, along with health screenings, line dancing, music as well as a full-programme of inspiring and informative talks.  The event runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

The festival has been brought to Waterford by Active Retirement Ireland in conjunction with Home Instead Senior Care. Both organisations are committed to living a happy, healthy and independent life and have come together to bring a positive, fun-filled day of activities to the local community.  

“At Home Instead Senior Care, we believe in living life to the full. The Marigold Festival is for people who are young at heart and believe life is for living. Attendees will avail of valuable information while also partaking in fun activities. It’s an event not to be missed”, says Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care. 

Margaret Bennett Moore, Chairperson of the South East Region of Active Retirement Ireland said: “Waterford has a vibrant community of people 60+ and there is no better place to launch this very special festival. It’s a celebration of life and we are sure it will be a successful day filled with laughter and learning”.

The Marigold Festival is a celebration of life with attendees of all ages enjoying a fun day out, showcasing the fact that a full active life is not reserved for the young. 

For more information please call Danette Connolly, Home Instead Senior Care on (051) 333 966.

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.