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  

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.

Stephen is Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year

Stephen Cowman was announced as the overall winner of Waterford’s Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year awards.  Stephen will now go on to represent Waterford in the national final which will take place at the Home Instead Senior Care National convention on Saturday, 5^th October.

A Waterford native, Stephen, who is relatively new to the caring profession, was a popular choice amongst his clients, colleagues and the panel of judges, which comprised of the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. John Cummins, Hazel Daniels, former Director of Nursing at WRH and Marie Cummins, Waterford Hospice Fundraising Chairperson.

Director of Care at Home Instead, Danette Connolly, was delighted that Stephen was recognised for his hard work and dedication.  “Stephen has made a big impact since he joined our team in 2011 and has established himself as an integral part of the lives of our clients.”

“Stephen’s clients were so complimentary and couldn’t sing his praises highly enough.  He is a cheerful CAREGiver and has shown all along that caring is not just a job to him but a passion and he always gives 110% to his clients.”

“He is happy to take on challenging cases and has been very successful in making great changes in some very difficult cases. Stephen really has helped his clients enjoy a new lease of life”, Danette added.

Now in its third year the awards recognise and reward the work of Waterford’s CAREGivers.  According to Marie Cummins, Adjudicator, “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, be it helping with the day to day chores, taking them to the library or GP or simply offering companionship, which can mean so much to those without family or friends close by.”

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 44 recipients.

A former client of Home Instead Senior Care, well known entertainer and Waterford Person of the Year, Denny Corcoran was present on the evening and his daughter, Anne, gave an emotional and candid account of how the care Denny received made his days brighter and gave his family peace of mind.

“As a family we never had to worry when the Home Instead CAREGivers were present with Dad, our minds were always at ease.”

“I think it was proof enough that Dad was happy and comfortable with his carers when he was asked to be Grand Marshall for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and he chose Charlie, his carer, to accompany him.  As the saying goes, ‘we were blown out’”, Anne recalled.

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

Home Instead Senior Care puts the kettle on to raise funds for Waterford Hospice Movement

Home Instead Senior Care, in association with Cleaboy Business Park, was one of the local businesses that hosted a coffee morning in aid of Waterford Hospice Movement on Thursday, September 16th.

The WHM Coffee Morning was organised in order to raise much needed funds to provide hospice care for patients currently under its care in Waterford.

Home Instead and Cleaboy Business Park were delighted to host a coffee morning for the fourth consecutive year. Danette Connolly, Director of Services at Home Instead said “As a company that supplies caring professionals to the region, we are acutely aware of the absolute necessity for a dedicated hospice facility in Waterford. The level of care provided to both the patient and the family is paramount. Through the provision of funds and services the best quality of life can be guaranteed to the patient and their support network of family and friends”.

Ms. Connolly added “It’s no secret that Waterford deserves a dedicated hospice facility. If something as simple as putting the kettle on can raise money for such a worthy cause, we’ll definitely be doing it again”.

The Coffee Morning enjoyed a great turnout as the residents of Cleaboy Business Park gave generously to support this very worthwhile initiative.

According to Carmel Organ, Administration Manager at Cleaboy Business Park, “Everybody who attended on the morning gave generously. We had the full support of all the businesses in the Park, including WWRD, Reflexite, ABB, SISK and many more. We were also delighted that the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Mary Roche could be with us. The Park has always harboured a strong community spirit and the turnout this morning was case in point of that.”

For further information about how you can help the Waterford Hospice Movement contact Marie Cummins, Fundraiser, on 051 832330 or visit http://www.homeinstead.ie/.

Ability Matters presents AED to Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral was recently presented with an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) by Ability Matters. While the Cathedral is primarily a place of worship it is also a major civic resource embracing artistic, cultural and ecumenical life in the city.

As an historic building and a very popular venue for concerts, recitals and exhibitions it contributes to the cultural tapestry of Waterford.

Experiencing a vast throughput of worshippers and visitors each week the Christ Church Cathedral committee was aware of the need for its staff to be proficient in AED and CPR.

Susan Grant, Tourism and Marketing Manager of Christ Church, said that the offer of an AED couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. “The committee had, for some time, been discussing acquiring an AED for the cathedral. When Ability Matters offered to supply us with an AED we were delighted to accept and were very grateful of the offer.”

“Although we hope there won’t be a need for it, the AED and the training we undertook with NAS Training Centre have given us the confidence and ability to respond to an emergency situation. All members of staff, clergy and some select vestry members are now trained.”

In Ireland approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases. Where concentrated volumes of people work and gather each day, there is a heightened risk of one of those suffering from CVD.

For every minute that passes between onset of cardiac arrest and treatment, chances of survival are reduced by 10 percent. If a defibrillator is not used within 10 minutes, the victim's chances of survival are practically nil.

Susan added “Since the Cathedral’s refurbishment in 2006/2007, tourist figures have been steadily increasing, the audience numbers for music and art events has grown, all in addition to our weekly congregations. So it is crucial that we have trained staff and the proper equipment to deal with a situation that requires AED.”

For further information about Christchurch visit http://www.christchurchwaterford.com/. Or log onto www.abilitymatters.ie or http://www.nas.ie/.