Advancing Care in the Community for Older People in the West

AGEING, dementia, support services, finance, fair deal scheme, loneliness and community supports for both urban and rural older people are some of the important topics which will be discussed at the upcoming Advancing Care in the Community for Older People public information event being hosted free of charge by Nursing Homes Ireland West Region, taking place in The Ardilaun Hotel, Taylor’s Hill, Galway, on Saturday, January 26.

Expert speakers and professionals from the region will advise on the range of solutions available for older people, their families and carers in the west of Ireland.

Members of the public are welcome to come along, free of charge, from 12 to 5 p.m. Tea, coffee and finger food will be provided and there's ample parking at the hotel.

“The aim of this event is to provide information on what services are available and how to access them and to advise people to plan for ageing.

“Being aware of supports available and planning for the future puts people’s minds at ease and this event will give people access to quality professional advice on the many options and solutions available in their local community. We want to encourage people to start the conversation with Dad and Mom about the future,” said Ms. Frances Neilan, chairperson, NHI West Region, on the organising group.

“Very often, due to no fault of their own, older people and their families find themselves in a personal crisis due to a sudden bout of ill health and can no longer live independently at home but do not need acute hospital care. This information event will provide advice on the many options available,” said Clodagh Killeen, assistant director of nursing, Castleturvin House Nursing Home in Athenry.

Special guest speakers include the following:

Joe Healy, president, Irish Farmers Association, who will speak about rural life, ageing and preparing for future rural community needs.

Tony Canavan, chief officer, HSE Community Health Area 2 Galway/Roscommon - ‘The HSE supports available to older people in the West of Ireland’.

Geraldine O’Sullivan, IFA, Farm and Family and Social Affairs - ‘The Fair Deal scheme – Financial planning for the future’.

Anne Rabbitte, TD, Galway East, Fianna Fáil - ‘Advocating for elder care in the West of Ireland’.

A representative of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and service user will speak on ‘Living with Dementia’.

Brian McNamara, assistant director of nursing, Greenpark Nursing Home, Tuam - ‘Experience of providing care in the community’.

Also speaking are Ann Gardiner, support worker with the Family and Carers Society, and Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice ‘Promoting quality life in rural Ireland’.

Following their presentations, the guest speakers will take part in a panel discussion with a questions and answers forum chaired by radio presenter Keith Finnegan, CEO, Galway Bay FM, which is sure to be an informative session.

This event will provide an opportunity to obtain information about supports and services available in the community and to start the conversation with ageing relatives as to their needs and wishes and the range of options which are now available in rural communities be-it day-care, drop-in, long-term, convalescence care, respite, family supports and home care packages.

Members of the public and caring professionals are invited to come along between 12 noon and 5 p.m. to meet the sponsors and exhibitors - Skillnet LHP, Homecare Medical, Fresenius Kabi, S&E Caretrade, Nualtra, Communicare Medical Supplies, NHI as well as stands by leading nursing homes in the west of Ireland showcasing how they are sustaining the health of older people in the community and promoting quality of life and wellbeing in a changing Ireland. The event is supported by Galway Bay FM and the IFA.

All attendees will be entered in a prize draw which will take place at 4.30 p.m. for a one-night luxury accommodation at the 4 star Ardilaun Hotel, including dinner, bed and breakfast for two with access to leisure club and swimming pool.

For further information on the event, please contact Olivia on (01) 4699800 or email info@nhi.ie.