family and loved ones. If you include Irish Hospice Foundation, you can reach out to families in a crucial time of need.
no-one faces death and bereavement without the care and support they need.
Contact Anna Sadlier: Irish Hospice Foundation, Morrison Chambers (Floor 4), 32 Nassau Street, Dublin 2, D02 X627
Email: anna.sadlier@hospicefoundation.ie or call 01 679 3188
“Guided by our ethos, It’s good to be home, we strive to make home care not just an option but the best option for those we support”
Jonathan Gardner, CEO, Bluebird Care Ireland
Bluebird Care is delighted to sponsor this year’s edition of Ageing Well, a publication that champions the needs, aspirations, and wellbeing of Ireland’s ageing population. At Bluebird Care, we firmly believe in the power of home— its comfort, familiarity, and deep emotional significance. Home is more than just a place; it’s a feeling, a sense of belonging. That’s why the work we do is so important. Every day, we enable thousands of individuals to remain in the place they cherish most—their own home— through compassionate and professional care. Guided by our ethos, It’s good to be home, we strive to make home care not just an option but the best option for those we support.
Our vision is clear: to ensure that those we care for can stay at home, living with dignity and independence. At the heart of everything we do is community. Community is the beating heart of each of our 26 offices, and we are deeply committed to supporting local communities across Ireland. This commitment extends beyond the care we provide and into initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Through our partnership with Age Action, we are proud sponsors of their Care and Repair service, which remains on the road completing essential tasks around the home for older people. This invaluable initiative helps maintain independence for many within our ageing population.
In addition, we are proud sponsors of Autism Assistance
Dogs Ireland, funding the training of a dog to be paired with a family of a child with autism. The impact these incredible dogs have is lifechanging, providing safety, companionship, and support for both the child and their family. These partnerships represent just a fraction of how we support the communities we serve, reflecting our deep commitment to enhancing lives in every way we can.
This mission would not be possible without our incredible network of franchise partners and their dedicated teams. Across Ireland, our clinically nurse-led teams in each office ensure that every aspect of care we deliver is of the highest quality. Since our journey began in 2007, Bluebird Care has grown to deliver over 190,000 care hours each month through 26 offices, supported by more than 2,500 extraordinary team members. From community nurses to Care Assistants, each individual plays a vital role in allowing those we care for to stay where they feel most comfortable and loved —their home.
While our roots are in care for older persons, our expertise extends to supporting individuals of all ages. We are proud to offer tailored disability care services, enhanced care, and complex care solutions, ensuring bespoke, personcentred care for a wide range of needs. Whether we’re providing a helping hand or advanced clinical support, our unwavering commitment to excellence remains the same.
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Bluebird Care offers an array of services, all designed with wellbeing in mind
At Bluebird Care, we don’t just provide home care. We also provide services catered specifically to children and for customers with more complex needs.
Everyone is unique, and your care should reflect that. We build our home care services around you or your loved one, offering support tailored to your unique needs. We work with you or your loved one to develop a custom plan, putting you in control of your care.
Companionship care
Health & wellbeing checks
Home care
Night care
Respite care
Some conditions require specialist care services. At Bluebird Care we understand that you or your loved one may need a bit of extra support when living with more complex conditions, such as:
Care for children
Spinal injury care
Stroke care
Our teams are dedicated to providing enhanced care, and are trained to deliver specialist, bespoke care to customers, with a diverse range of conditions.
Acquired brain injury
Alzheimer’s disease care
Arthritis care
Dementia care
Diabetes care
End of life care
Huntington’s disease care
Hypertension care
Joint replacement care
Learning Disabilities care
Motor neurone disease (MND) care
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) care
Palliative care
Parkinson’s disease care
Physical disabilities care
Reablement services
Our team can assist you or your loved one in understanding the different types of care, explain funding options and offer advice on aging well. We’re here for you.
www.bluebirdcare.ie
Accessing Bluebird Care services is simple and can be done through multiple channels to ensure you receive the right support when you need it. Referrals can come directly from your GP, your local Primary Care Centre, or healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. Additionally, hospitalbased teams, including consultants, nurse managers, and social care workers, can facilitate access to home care services. If you are already linked with disability services, they can also provide guidance on arranging care. Whether through a healthcare referral or direct contact, Bluebird Care is here to provide high-quality, person-centred home care tailored to your
needs. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one.
For those seeking private home care services, Bluebird Care offers professional, personcentred care tailored to individual needs. Whether you require short-term support after a hospital stay, long-term home care, or specialised care for complex conditions, our highly trained carers and nurses provide compassionate assistance to help you or your loved one live safely and comfortably at home. Our services can be arranged privately or through HSE funding, depending on eligibility. To learn more or to arrange a consultation, contact your local Bluebird Care office today.
“It’s not just a job to them”
Lor Parslow credits her carers and the support she has received from Bluebird Care with her ability to live independently in her own home
Loretta (Lor) Parslow moved out to Knocknacarra, a suburb of Galway city, just over 26 years ago. Originally from Woodquay in Galway city, an area just three minutes from Eyre Square, it initially felt like moving to the countryside. Lor quickly got used to a slower pace of life and today, she lives independently with her two faithful dogs – Buffy, who’s a cross between a Yorkie and a chihuahua and Tiny, a full Yorkshire Terrier. “In the summer, Buffy underwent gallbladder surgery and then contracted pneumonia so she’s had a tough time. She recovered well though, she’s a fighter. Tiny is diabetic and I give her injections every day. They’re great company for me and they’ve saved my life in more ways than one; a while back, I fell in the garden one day and couldn’t get up. Buffy ran inside and barked at the walls until she got the neighbour’s attention. It’s not just me that loves them either – my carers are also mad about them.”
Lor was first introduced to Bluebird Care about 14 years ago. At the time, she was recovering from a cardiac arrest which affected her speech and mobility. Lor was in a coma for two weeks and when she woke up, she couldn’t move her limbs. “The cardiac arrest was brought on by stress. It was such a frightening time, especially when I couldn’t move my arms or legs. Initially I wasn’t able to speak because of the tracheostomy tube which had been inserted into my neck.”
Recovery took the guts of a year, where Lor spent in St James’ Hospital. Hard work and sheer determination got her back on her feet and today
she walks with the aid of a stick. “When I eventually got home, I decided I didn’t want friends or family to stay with me. I wanted to be as independent as possible and that’s where Bluebird came in.”
Initially care in the morning was provided by the HSE, with Bluebird stepping in at evening time. After a number of years, Lor was informed she would be getting a new HSE carer in the morning. “I rang the HSE to speak to the person who looked after staff rotation and asked if I could get Bluebird full-time. I explained how I really connected with the Bluebird carers, how I found them excellent and that the continuity of care was second to none. So they changed me over to Bluebird full-time and I was happy out!”
That ‘connection’ with a carer is so important, says Lor. “Mary and Siobhan have been with me for years and they’re just wonderful. It’s not just a job to them, it’s like they have a vocation for what they do. Of course their first priority is their role as carer but they don’t just leave it at that. They know I can’t do a whole lot, but nothing is too much for them. I don’t sleep much; about three or four hours sleep is all I get most nights and sometimes, I don’t sleep at all. When my carer comes in on those days, she does absolutely everything she can for me. I could never find one fault with them and I mean that from my heart.”
Lor describes herself as a ‘doer’ and one look at her CV would very quickly back that up. After her
Leaving Cert, she trained as a nursery nurse in St Patrick’s Hospital in Temple Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin. After nine years, she decided it was time to return to Galway and worked at Mystical Rose Nursing Home in Claregalway. Another change was on the horizon when she went to work at Roches Stores.
A stint on the tills led to a role as floor supervisor before she took up a department manager position. “I really loved working there. Everyone there was so kind, the managers couldn’t do enough for you. I loved it and was heartbroken when I had to give up work because of my health.” Lor also suffers with fibromyalgia, a condition she has battled for many years. “Thankfully, I’m still in contact with some of the people I worked with in Roches and with the nurses I worked with in Blackrock.
We meet up regularly halfway between Dublin and Galway and it’s so great to still have those friendships.” After leaving Roches, Lor decided to undertake a diploma in UCG in the psychology of counselling and psychotherapy. “I did a bit of everything! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of it. I’m
definitely someone who finds it difficult to stay still, even now in the house, despite the fact I have carers coming in twice a day. They’re great to put up with me!”
Throughout her various illnesses, Lor’s optimistic outlook on life has served her well. Six years ago, during an angiogram, her femoral artery was torn. “I was found unconscious in the bathroom and was rushed for life-saving surgery. I prayed that I would survived it and I did. My faith plays a big part in my life and I believe it was those prayers that got me through.”
Lor’s advice to anyone thinking about home care is to go for it. “It lets you stay independent, at home in your own house, where all your memories are. I’ve seen how people in nursing homes decline; I’ve worked in them myself. The go downhill once they move in.” The support that Lor has received from Bluebird Care has helped her to push herself and move forward. “My carers let me push myself as far as I can go and then they’re there to step in. We’ve developed a friendship that is so dear to me. I look forward to them coming in every day.”
“It lets you stay independent, in your own home, where all your memories are.
Bluebird
Care/ Lor Parslow
delivery and
nursing to
admin and management, helping to ensure our customers are empowered to stay in the home they love
Whatever the day holds, whether it’s making a cup of tea or helping a customer bake their signature apple tart, Bluebird Care equips its staff to deliver the highest quality care. Through our accredited Academy programmes, we provide ongoing training to our employees so they can develop their skills and progress their career and crucially, continue to provide unbeatable care.
“You can’t quantify what it means to people to be nursed in their own homes” Bluebird Care staff member
These are the people at the frontline of our business, delivering care and support and keeping our customers safe and protected in their homes. They help ensure our exacting high standards are maintained by keeping our customers safe and protected in their homes, whilst also putting a smile on their faces.
Bluebird Care is committed to redefining nurse delivered care, bringing it directly to the heart of our communities. Our commitment lies in delivering exceptional general and specialised nursing services in the local community, ensuring you or your loved one can receive hospital level care in the home.
Our Clinical Nurse Managers provide strong, strategic leadership so we can provide the best home-care services.
A Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disability (RNID) is a highly specialised nurse who provides healthcare for disabled patients in Ireland and comprehensive care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Fulfilment and contingency of care are big things for me. In a hospital setting, you have a very quick turnover. You don’t get to see people’s journey. That’s not the case at Bluebird Care”
Bluebird Care staff member
Registered Children’s nurses, also known as Registered Paediatric nurses, are responsible for caring for and monitoring children from birth to adolescence. They will often care for children with complex medical and social needs.
Registered General Nurses deliver care and support to a wide range of adults and children, ranging from advice on medication management, to delivering care to people with very complex conditions.
The care coordinator is responsible for the continuity of care for all of our customers. This vital role has a huge impact on the lives of many people who rely on our care and support. If you want to join a dynamic team making a positive difference to our customers’ lives, then this could be the role for you.
At Bluebird Care, we are proud of our reputation for providing excellent home care and support to our customers. That reputation is enhanced by our office administrators, who support our teams to deliver high quality home care services each and every time.
Our talented and dynamic management team support our various care teams, drive business growth and continually make improvements to ensure our customers receive the best possible care.
Bluebird Care – in numbers
2500 team members
190,000 care hours delivered monthly 26 offices nationwide
18 years of delivering quality care
Bluebird
Care’s partnership
with Age Action aims to bring about meaningful change in the lives of older people
Empowering older people to live full active lives, safely in their own homes for as long as possible, is something Bluebird Care works towards every day. It’s also an ambition shared by Age Action, a charity that strives to make Ireland the best country in the world in which to grow older. In 2024, Bluebird Care presented Age Action Ireland with €25,000 to support and grow the charity’s Care and Repair programme, an invaluable service for older people that enables them to lead fuller lives at home.
The Care and Repair programme was established 12 years ago. It’s a simple yet extremely effective service; the Age Action Care and Repair team carries out small DIY jobs, free of charge, for older people to help them maintain both their homes and their independence. “It can be anything from putting up a hand rail, moving a bed downstairs to changing a light bulb. We carry out the jobs that might be tricky for an older person to do, but isn’t big enough to call in a tradesperson.
The service operates across Cork, Dublin and Galway but we help people right across the country,” said Luke Decaux, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Age Action Ireland. If it’s a bigger job, Age Action has a national list of vetted workers that they work with and trust. “Just knowing this service is available takes any worry or anxiety away from people. They don’t need to worry about getting a tradesperson and paying a fee.”
The Care and Repair service also prioritises carrying out jobs in the homes of older people who are being discharged or have recently been discharged from hospital. “For example, if we
have a lady that’s being discharged from hospital and a bed needs to be moved downstairs, we will prioritise that job and in so doing, help relieve hospital waiting lists.
In Dublin, Cork and Galway, the Care and Repair programme is delivered by Age Action staff and the charity’s network of Garda-vetted volunteers throughout the country. Volunteers are trained to run the service in their regions with the support of Age Action staff. All teams work together to provide a high quality service to older people using the agreed standards and quality control of the Care and Repair programme nationally. Thanks to support from Bluebird Care, this invaluable service will continue to help older people across the country live fuller lives.
The most common services required by older people are small gardening jobs, minor paint jobs, installing domestic smoke alarms, changing light bulbs, hanging curtains and installing security locks and chains.
Care and Repair prioritises jobs in the homes of older people who are being discharged or have recently been discharged from hospital. The team can remove trip hazards, install handrails, replace toilet seats or move a bed downstairs to make sure the home is ready for their return.
For more information on the Care and Repair programme, go to www.ageaction.ie/ how-we-can-help/care-and-repair
Bluebird Care Editor: Denise Maguire
Creative Director: Jane Matthews
Designer: Lenny Rooney
Sales Director: Diarmaid Lennon
Managing Director: Gerry Tynan
Production: Claire Kiernan
Published by:
Ashville Media Group. Unit 55 Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12.
Tel: +353 1 432 2200
Fax: +353 1 676 7100
Email: info@ashville.com Web: www.ashville.com
In association with:
Bluebird Care, c/o IFSC, 25−28 N Wall Quay, Dublin 1
Tel: (061) 481 210
Web: bluebirdcare.ie
Opinions or comments are not necessarily those of Ashville Media Group or Bluebird Care unless otherwise stated. While every effort has been made to verify the contents of this guide, no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.
Every Monday, Seniors can discover the heart and home of Gaelic Games with these exclusive offers designed for your pocket, as well as your passion! Both tours include admission to the GAA Museum.
Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides will take you through the fascinating story of Croke Park stadium, the home of Gaelic Games. This guided tour will bring you through the dressing rooms, media centre, corporate levels, and of course, pitch-side!
Are you ready for a 17-storey high? This Dublin City tour highlights all of the capital’s main landmarks while giving you an insight into its heartfelt history, all from the rooftop of Croke Park Stadium!
For more information and booking, visit
Health & Wellbeing
Bluebird Carealways with you on your journey
Here are some top tips from Bluebird Care to help keep you healthy and independent:
Take time when shopping for healthy foods
Get blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.
Aim to have three regular meals a day.
Be aware of how much fluid you are drinking - as we age, our sense of thirst can reduce so it is important that you are aware of this and remind yourself to drink.
Remember, all foods contain different nutrients so it is important that we have variety in our diet to ensure we get all the nutrients our bodies need.
Be aware of your weight - if you find your appetite has decreased or you are losing weight and are unsure why, seek medical advice.
Eat a wide variety of foods - meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, cheese, milk, yogurtand allow yourself a treat occasionally.
Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre which can reduce your risk of disease, stroke and help prevent constipation.
Try to include some form of physical activity (30 minutes) most days of the week.
» Quit smoking.
» Avoid adding salt to food.
In 2024, Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler along with Minister for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon, launched the national rollout of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes (HAFH) programme. This programme aims to help older people, where possible, avoid hospital admission by providing a range of health and social care services in the community. It’s all about providing a range of alternatives for older people who may otherwise transition into long term residential care prematurely. A Local Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator is available in all local authorities across the country. Each Local Coordinator will case manage a support package for each person referred, linking the supports from the variety of public, voluntary, private and community agencies in the area. This new programme is good news for older people in Ireland and will support older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence, for as long as possible.
HAFH supports include:
» Housing - Adaptations, rightsizing, minor modifications, home sharing, decluttering
» Medical/Health - GP visits, illness specific supports, transport to hospital appointments, home help
» Technology - Digital training, connectivity supports, personal alarms, panic buttons
» Community - Meals on Wheels, social activities, befriending, community groups, libraries, physical activity
Returning home after a medical facility discharges you or your loved one is a happy time but it is also a critical turning point in the recovery process. Often, patients are re-admitted less than a few weeks after discharge. Issues with medication, missed follow-up medical appointments, poor nutrition and dehydration and lack of safety preparation in the home are the issues that can lead to re-admission. Even if you have family and friends, there may be some aspects of your recovery plan that you might need extra help with. Getting help from Bluebird Care to provide home care can mean less stress for you or your loved one and an easier and quicker transition to full recovery.
Read about how best to manage your medication on page 22
» Discharge Co-ordination - Bluebird Care will work with your hospital discharge staff to develop a plan of care that will be used by family and other home caregivers to ensure you have a plan to support a successful recovery.
» Medication Management - Bluebird Care will help organise and track pills and other medications to make sure that they are taken as directed and to help prevent adverse effects.
» Climate/Energy - Energy retrofits, grant information, BER Assessments, home heating advice, etc.
» Financial - Bills advice, carers supports, pensions, LPT, etc.
For more information, go to https:// agefriendlyireland.ie/healthy-agefriendly-homes-programme/
» Follow-Up Doctor Visits - Bluebird Care can make sure you keep track of and attend follow-up medical appointments, including providing or arranging transportation to the visits.
» Nutrition Management - Bluebird Care can assist with meal planning, shopping and preparation to ensure you are getting healthy foods and plenty of hydration that will help with recovery.
Call the HSE Information Line 1800 700 700 to find out the opening hours and phone number for the GP out-of-hours service in your area
Kevin Quaid’s advocacy work for people with dementia is breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease
Kevin Quaid is a busy man. He’s Chairperson of the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD) and a member of the Dementia Research Advisory Team, as well as Dementia Trials Ireland. He’s also co-founder of Lewy body Ireland and to top it all off, he’s currently putting the finishing touches to his third book. That’s not to mention his involvement with various research projects across Ireland and Europe as an expert by experience. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s 11 years ago, Kevin has become a voice for people with dementia, advocating for increased funding into dementia care in Ireland and for greater understanding of the disease and how it affects people’s lives.
Back in 2013, just before Kevin received his diagnosis, he was living with his wife Helena in Australia. A career in the construction industry came to a halt when the recession came crashing down in 2008 and like so many, Kevin and Helena decided to make a new life for themselves in the sun. Towards the end of their time there, Kevin was hospitalised on four different occasions. “I’ll always remember a doctor coming into my room in the hospital and saying, I’m not looking at what has brought you here this time, I’m looking at why are you coming in so often with such serious illnesses. At this stage we were planning on returning to Ireland so he said, when you get back, will you get checked for early onset Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. I would have taken no notice of him only an uncle of mine had died from Alzheimer’s.” Back
home, Kevin visited his GP who referred him to Dr Orna O’Toole, a neurologist at Mercy University Hospital in Cork. A lumbar puncture confirmed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Further tests, including a DAT scan, showed that Kevin also had Lewy body dementia. “I immediately thought that has to be wrong, I don’t have dementia, I’m like everyone else. I didn’t hear the words ‘lewy’ or ‘body’, I just heard dementia.”
Lewy body dementia is one of the most common types of dementia. It’s caused by clumps of protein forming inside brain cells; these abnormal deposits are called Lewy bodies and they’re also found in people with Parkinson’s disease. They build up in areas of the brain that affect thinking, visual perception and muscle movement.
Up until recently, Kevin’s biggest problem has been sleep behaviour disorder. “For most people, when you go to sleep at night, your muscles paralyse. When I go to sleep at night, my muscles won’t paralyse. My sleep is very disturbed, I could be thrashing around, kicking or shouting.
Hallucinations come with it and the nightmares can be violent and traumatic.”
Kevin’s spatial awareness has also deteriorated. He is unable to drive and walks with the aid of a stick. However a visit to Hidden Hearing in recent months has, he says, proved a gamechanger. “I got hearing aids and the difference they have made to my life is unbelievable. The nightmares have been reduced by at least 90% and hallucinations are down by about 50%.
Not many people realise that there’s a huge connection between hearing and dementia. For a person with Lewy body dementia, you might be in a perfectly silent room but the noise in your head will drive you insane. Background noise like the radio or tv helps to drown it out. When I put in my hearing aids, I don’t need to have that background noise anymore. It’s been life changing and I reckon it has added years to my life.” Such has been the impact of Hidden Hearing on Kevin’s life that he has taken up an ambassadorial role with the organisation. “I truly believe that anyone over the age of 40 should get their hearing checked. It’s not going to stop you getting dementia, but it may reduce your chances.
information about the disease. A diary of his day-to-day life and nights with the illness led one of his doctors to suggest he convert into a book. “He said it would be helpful, not just for people with the disease, but for doctors too. So I made a New Year’s resolution to write 500 words a day for four days a week and see where it goes. I kept going and ended up being the first person in the world to write a book about Lewy body dementia from the patient’s point of view.” Kevin’s second book, ‘I’m Kevin not Lewy’ was published in 2021 and his third will be published in the New Year.
In 2019, Bluebird Care Ireland launched a nationwide roadshow in support of the HSE’s ‘Dementia: Understand Together’ campaign. As campaign ambassador, Kevin travelled all over the country talking about dementia in an effort to break down the stigma that surrounds the disease. “The more people talk about it and tell it exactly how it is, the more it encourages others to talk. Even since I started as an advocate eight years ago, the stigma has gone down so much. People shouldn’t struggle with this on their own, it can be a very lonely place. People at Bluebird understand people with dementia and a lot of it comes down to decency, common sense and patience.”
If you have dementia like in my case, it will arrest it or slow it down. I’m a new man since I got my hearing aids. It’s the biggest single change in my life in the last 10 years. My balance has also improved – I take my stick with me now just for security. It’s had such an effect on my life that I’ve named my new book ‘Can you hear me Lewy’!
Kevin’s first book, ‘Lewy Body Dementia Survival and Me’, was inspired by a lack of
For the next few months, Kevin’s diary is packed with speaking appointments and advocacy work. It’s what he loves to do and what gets him up in the morning, along with his wife Helena and family. “I think getting involved initially with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland saved my life. Having dementia doesn’t need to consume your life – I’m a great example of that.”
“I immediately thought that has to be wrong, I don’t have dementia, I’m like everyone else. I didn’t hear the words ‘lewy’ or ‘body’, I just heard dementia”
Advocate/ Kevin Quaid
If you are looking for a way to make a real difference in countless lives, we would be grateful if you would consider leaving a gift to Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services in your Will. Once you have taken care of your loved ones, this would be a truly special gesture.
At Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, we provide excellent care for patients with a range of different needs. We are able to do this because of supporters like you, and especially thanks to the generous gifts that are left in people’s Wills.
To discuss the simple steps involved in leaving a lasting gift, big or small, please contact us in complete confidence, with no obligation.
Thank you
Susie Cunningham
Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, Harold’s Cross, Blackrock and Wicklow Tel: (01) 491 1072
Email: scunningham@olh.ie Find us on Visit: olh.ie/legacy
It is a sobering statistic - according to St James’s Hospital, falls are the leading cause of injuryrelated visits to Irish A&E departments and almost half of all hospital visits of the over-65s are the result of a fall. One in six falls lead to injury, with hip fracture being the most serious. Half of all people suffering a hip fracture never regain their previous level of independence, a quarter die within six months, and almost a quarter are discharged to a nursing home.
Also, falls and blackouts can be non-specific presentations of chest problems, kidney infection, heart attack or stroke. A fall is a warning sign and is considered a symptom of other potential health issues. As people age they may feel the effects of natural ageing. They could experience stiff joints, poor eyesight and decreased muscle strength, along with poor balance. These effects, along with chronic conditions, can increase their potential risk of falling.
One potential problem for older adults is inactivity. Lack of exercise can lead to weak legs and this factor can increase the older adult’s potential chances of falling.
» Reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases
» Aids in the management of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol
» Improves the ability to function and stay independent in cases where people have lung disease or arthritis
» Reduces symptoms of depression and pain
» Improves balance and prevents falls. We encourage and support our customers to take part in simple, healthy activities. A member of our team will discuss your preferences with you or your loved one as part of your tailored home care and support plan.
Think about your environment and consider these tips:
» Remove clutter from pathways
» Arrange furniture to make rooms easy to navigate
» Allow enough space to walk around furniture
» Remove or secure throw rugs
» Wear shoes with non-slip soles
» Avoid walking in socks/tights on wood floors
» Organise the house so items used most frequently are at waist level, minimising the need to bend or climb
» Apply high-contrast coloured tape to the top and bottom of stairs and thresholds
» Use a night light and/or leave a light on in the bathroom and stairways to help reduce the risk of falls in the dark
» Use handrails
» Allow plenty of time for activities and tasks.
All medicines, whether prescribed or bought in the pharmacy or a shop, are powerful substances that should be treated with care. It’s important to know what medicines are for, how they should be taken and how they should be stored. This will help avoid mistakes and make sure that medicine works as it is supposed to. The following advice will be helpful to anyone taking medication, or for those who may be assisting someone else with medicines.
Understanding what your medication is for and how it works helps you or your loved one ensure that medicines are taken correctly and that mistakes are avoided. Keeping an up-to-date list of all current medicine not only helps you keep track of your treatment, but it is also helpful in the event of updating a new healthcare provider or if you are admitted to hospital. Anyone involved in your healthcare should know what medication you are currently taking. Keep a list of medicines to hand, including both prescribed and nonprescribed medicines, as even medicines you buy in the shop can be dangerous to take with other medicines or if you have certain medical conditions.
Your medication cannot work if you don’t take it. And it’s also important it’s taken at the right time and in the right dose. There are many reasons taking medication correctly may be diffcult, but speak with your pharmacist about ways to make it easier for you. Some potential solutions to common medication diffculties are listed below. But discuss any issues whatsoever with your pharmacist – they will help in whatever way possible to make managing your medicines simple and safe.
Read about some of the most common eye problems on page 25
Difficulty Remembering
» Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines and their instructions to hand
» Set alarms on a clock or phone to remind you of when you should take medicine
» Take your medicines at the same time as something else you do every day –for example, before you brush your teeth
Medicine Running Out
Medicines Left Over
Unwanted Side-Effects
» If you find you are running out of medicines, either some of them or all of them, it’s possible you are taking them incorrectly or not ordering them in time
» Make sure you order your medicines from the pharmacy before you run out
» If some medicines are running out before others, let your pharmacist know. It’s best to avoid confusion by having different amounts of your medicines or ordering them at different times of the month
» If you have medicines left over before your next prescription, it’s possible you are not taking them correctly
» Always let your pharmacist know if you have excess medicines and what the reason is – it is best to avoid having too many medicines as it makes is easier to make a mistake by taking too much to avoid confusion by having different amounts of your medicines or ordering them at different times of the month
» Speak with your pharmacist about any side-effects you’re worried about. It may be that they will ease over time, or that they will be helped by taking medicine at a different time or with/without food
» Do not let side-effects stop your treatment – if a medicine is too hard to take, speak with your pharmacist or prescriber about whether an alternative medicine is available
Difficulty Swallowing
» If the size, taste, or shape of a medicine is making it too hard to swallow, it may be available in a different form or size
» Speak with your pharmacist about swallowing difficulties – do not crush or cut tablets without checking with the pharmacist first as this can change how the medicine works
HardTo-Read Instructions
Accessing Medicines
Confusing Instructions
» If poor eyesight means you have trouble reading the instructions for your medicine, ask your pharmacist to print your instructions in larger letters
» If you find it difficult to open medicine containers, ask your pharmacist what other types of containers are available – a bigger size or a different lid can sometimes make all the difference
» If you are not clear on the instructions that come with your medicine, or if you have a lot of medicine to take at different times, ask your pharmacist to simplify things for you by changing the language used or by providing a list of medicines and times they should be taken
The most important element of good foot care at any age is routine inspection. If you notice any signs of discoloured nails, blisters, cracked skin, bleeding sores or wounds it can be an indication that an infection is present. A number of conditions such as heel spurs, calluses and infections can be attributed to poorly-fitted shoes. Circulation within the body can also slow down during the ageing process.
This can lead to complications, as it results in many individuals not feeling their feet as well as they used to and not being aware when foot problems occur. It is recommended that older individuals regularly keep their feet elevated in an attempt to maintain appropriate foot circulation. Sitting with legs crossed for a lengthy period of time should also be avoided in an attempt to improve circulation. In addition to this, people who have diabetes or circulation concerns could suffer severe consequences if their feet and toenails are not properly maintained. Toenails should be kept reasonably short to reduce the risk of them breaking or scratching skin open accidentally.
It’s also important to look for ingrown nails or hangnails and if found, should be treated by a professional. Diabetics or older individuals who don’t implement a regular foot care routine run the risk of developing potentially serious problems.
Being deaf or hard of hearing can have a huge impact on your daily life, making itself known both in social situations and at home. And although hearing loss can be caused by exposure to constant or loud noise, ageing also has a huge part to play in your hearing. Ranging from mild hearing loss to total deafness, it’s important to contact your GP if you experience any difficulties when hearing or notice any symptoms that may be a result of hearing loss.
They may conduct a hearing test in order to figure out what is causing the loss in hearing, and how best to treat it. Symptoms of hearing loss include turning up the volume on the TV or radio to the discomfort of other listeners, not hearing the phone or doorbell ring, having to ask people to speak louder during conversation, and being unable to hear conversations properly when in a group.
If you have a Medical Card, then you are entitled to a free hearing aid. If not, you still may get funding for your hearing aid under the Treatment Benefit Scheme through the Department of Social Protection. If you have been recommended a hearing aid, it’s important to find one that best suits you. Your hearing aid will be either in the ear or behind the ear, depending on your needs, lifestyle and budget.
Not all hearing loss requires a hearing aid and there are numerous ways to help you cope if your hearing is deteriorating. Amplifiers can be attached to telephones to increase the volume and there are special telephones and doorbells available to buy which flash to indicate they are ringing.
For more information on these, contact your Local Health Office.
YOU KNOW...
Circulation within the body can slow down during the ageing process
Eyesight usually begins to deteriorate after the age of 50. Here are some common eyesight concerns and how to treat them.
» Cataract A cataract is a cloudiness on the lens of the eye which can block light and cause a loss of vision. Sometimes a change of eyeglasses will be enough to rectify discrepancies in your vision. If the condition interferes with everyday life, surgery might be required. The operation isn’t serious and patients are usually discharged from hospital the same day.
» Glaucoma is a condition that damages your peripheral vision through pressure building up in the eyeball. This pressure damages the optic nerve and can cause a loss of sight. It’s best to consult with your GP or eye-specialist if you notice your peripheral vision deteriorating. Your GP or eye-specialist will give you medicated eye drops to control chronic glaucoma.
» Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. The disease can sometimes progress slowly, having no immediate impact on everyday life or it can develop quicker, causing damage to the macula, the area of the eye that allows for sharp, central vision. There is no treatment for early AMD, but to keep tabs on your condition check-in with your optician once or twice a year.
Failure to maintain oral and dental health during the later years in life can have a knock-on impact on an individual’s general health. If you still have natural teeth, brush your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes. Daily flossing can help remove a buildup of plaque and any remaining food left between teeth. It is helpful to brush using small, circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes, ensuring that you take time to brush gently along the gum line. People with arthritis or other conditions that limit hand function may find it difficult to engage in daily oral hygiene practices due to limited grip strength and dexterity. A toothbrush with a larger handle can be helpful in overcoming this problem, along with securing the toothbrush handle to the hand with a wide elastic band.
Diet can also play a significant role in a dental care routine. Whole fruits and sugar-free snacks are an excellent addition to any diet that is concerned with limiting the damage food can cause to the teeth. Try to limit sweets, chocolate, biscuits and sugary drinks as much as possible. If you have dentures, these should be cleaned daily with soap/denture cleaning paste and a toothbrush or soft nailbrush. When dentures are out of your mouth, place them in cold water to prevent warping and ensure you soak them in specialist denture cleaning solution. Partial dentures should be removed after eating and rinsed under cold water. Even if you have no natural teeth, it’s still a good idea to visit the dentist once a year so your dentist can also check for signs of oral cancer and other medical issues.
The ability to live independently in your home depends on many factors, but improving your lifestyle and staying active in later years play a big role
While more Irish people are living longer, they also need to live better to get the most out of their older years. Though diet and exercise have an important role to play here, human beings are social animals at their core. We are fortunate enough to have wide-ranging social activities available throughout Irish communities, run by fantastic organisations at little or no cost. Ageing adults are also increasingly using technology to stay connected with their friends and families – a trend accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
An active lifestyle can keep us feeling good, prevent illness, ensure we can live independently at home and allow us to maintain strong links with the community.
Keeping the brain active through crosswords, puzzles or social card games, such as bridge, can help to reduce the risk of dementia.
Whether we choose to keep active through travel, education, volunteering or simply having a game of cards with a neighbour, the social and mental benefits are undeniable.
Loneliness can be a very serious issue for ageing adults and the effects can be worse during winter months, or in more rural areas.
This chapter of the Guidebook offers tips and advice on keeping active and explains how this can have a positive impact on your wellbeing to help you live happier at home.
While quitting the hustle and bustle of work for a retired life of lounging around with a TV remote may seem enticing, research shows that a passive lifestyle is increasingly seen as a high risk factor for Alzheimer’s – a still incurable disease of the brain that causes the progressive degeneration of brain cells. Cognitive decline as you age appears to be largely due to altered connections among brain cells. But research has found that keeping the brain active in retirement seems to increase its vitality and may build its reserves of brain cells and connections. Major risk factors for Alzheimer’s are obesity, smoking, alcohol, and physical inactivity. You don’t have to turn your life upside down or make extreme changes to achieve many of these benefits. Start with something small, like a daily walk. After a while, add another small change.
» Keep your brain active every day.
» Stay curious and involved - commit to lifelong learning.
» Read, write, solve crosswords or other puzzles.
» Attend lectures and plays.
» Enrol in courses.
» Play games such as Bridge.
» Stay physically active.
» Try memory exercises.
Age & Opportunity’s AgeWise workshop raises awareness of the attitudes to ageing and older people in organisations whose work affects the lives of older people. It is suitable for employers and people delivering services to older people. Workshops are delivered in-person or on Zoom to groups of 10-15 people maximum and are delivered by a trained Age & Opportunity facilitator. The workshop enables participants to understand the personal, cultural and structural effects of ageism, identify instances of discrimination against older people and devise strategies to counter age discrimination in their workplace or community. Age & Opportunity has delivered AgeWise to groups in a variety of settings including companies, local authorities, healthcare settings, nursing homes and to public servants.
To find out more or to book a workshop for your team, please contact Fiona Holohan: Tel: (01) 805 7798
Email: engage@ageandopportunity.ie Visit: www.ageandopportunity.ie
Embracing technology will not only help you access valuable information but it will also help you to keep in touch with family members and loved ones who live far away. A lot of older people have an initial fear of using a computer and are surprised at how easy it can be to develop basic computer skills once they get started.
Organisations such as Age Action are aware of the risk that older people face when excluded from technology, which is why the charity runs the Getting Started programme, which provides one-to-one training on computers, the internet and mobile phones to people over the age of 55. Courses are run in local venues such as libraries, community centres, family resource centres, corporate offices, schools and housing complexes, and all tutors are trained volunteers. Age Action has designed training material suitable for older people and learners receive lots of support and encouragement along the way.
Its training guide, ‘Simple Steps to Success: A Guide to Using Computers,’ provides very basic, practical guidance for people who are new to computers and the internet. They also have guides to using tablets, computers and smartphones, and all the training materials are available free on their website. The volunteer tutors are people of all ages, from all walks of life, who want to share their skills with older people. Volunteers teach people the basics, such as how to search the internet, how to set up an email account and how to send and receive emails. Computer courses run once a week for up to two hours for four to five weeks and the course is free of charge.
» Internet access and free applications such as Zoom, Gmail and Facebook help you to keep in touch with family and friends.
» Search engines such as Google and Yahoo provide you with information on almost any topic.
» Online shopping allows you to purchase items from the comfort of your own home.
» Payment of household bills in a timely and convenient manner.
» Heightened confidence as a result of learning new skills.
If you would like more information on the Getting Started programme, or would like to get involved as a volunteer, please contact one of the following:
» Age Action (01) 475 6989
» Age Action South (021) 206 7399
» Age Action West (091) 527 831
» Visit www.ageaction.ie
» Email gettingstarted@ageaction.ie
Many of us would probably go to a lot more plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions or other events if we had someone to go with. That is where the Cultural Companions Programme, run by Age & Opportunity, comes in. The programme creates local networks of people interested in arts and culture that will accompany each other to events. It is about like-minded people meeting up regularly to go out together, either with one other person or as part of a small group. In this way, it provides increased opportunities for older people to engage with Ireland’s vibrant cultural and arts scene. Some of us are more independent, but many of us prefer someone to go to these events with.
Many long established members of the Cultural Companions Programme take part in the Meet and Greet for Cultural Companions initiative, which involves coordinating activities on a specific day out and looking out for new people
who are attending for the first time. As well as the cultural element, many members of the group also go for coffee and a chat afterwards, which is when people really get to know each other and friendships are formed.
Many members of the programme arrange to meet up with each other again. Age & Opportunity’s objective in running the Cultural Companions Programme is to help older people to become independent and to remain positive. In addition to meeting new people and forming friendships, many who join the Cultural Companions Programme discover activities and events that they wouldn’t otherwise have heard about.
Cultural Companions is part of the Arts & Culture programme run by Age & Opportunity. If this sounds like something you might like to join in with, contact 01 01 913 3921 for more information, or email arts@ageandopportunity.ie
The free travel scheme is available to all people over the age of 66 living permanently in Ireland. But where can you get your free travel pass? And what other opportunities for travel and getaways are there for older people?
Everyone aged 66 and over and living permanently in Ireland is entitled to the free travel scheme. If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who you can take with you:
» FT-P - you can travel for free
» FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free
» FT+C - you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free
You must carry it with you when you are using public transport.
» Iarnrod Eireann To avail of your free travel pass on train journeys, you must present your travel pass at ticket kiosks for all services except for the DART. You must also have your pass with you for the duration of your journey.
» Bus Eireann The free travel pass is available on all Bus Eireann buses, and in some cases a companion pass may be issued. The holder of the free travel pass must have it in their possession for the duration of their journey. The free travel pass does not apply for Sightseeing Day Tours, Nightrider or special bus services, or for organised group travel on any service.
Free travel passes are non-transferrable and can only be used by the named person.
If you are in possession of a new Public Services Card, remember to touch on and touch off when embarking and disembarking on LUAS services.
Please note that passes are issued by the Department of Social Protection, not the transport provider. Now that you know how to get your free travel pass, read on to learn more about how you can put it to use.
The Free Travel Scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and all queries about the scheme should be directed to the Department by emailing freetravelqueries@ welfare.ie or calling 071 915 7100. More details on the Free Travel Scheme can be found here - https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/ department-of-social-protection/
» Dublin Bus Dublin Bus services accept the free travel pass on all regular daytime routes. It is not accepted on Airlink, Nitelink, Tours, special events or other non-regular services. You must present your travel pass to the bus driver at the beginning of your journey as he or she is obligated to check it before the bus takes off.
» Luas On Luas services, remember to touch on and touch off your Public Services Card before and after your journey.
1
Touch On at the validator at the stop and get on the Luas tram. You will hear a positive beep and a message will display on the validator when you touch on successfully.
2Produce your Public Services Card with free travel for inspection if requested.
3Get off the Luas tram and touch off at the validator at the stop. You will hear a positive beep and a message will display on the validator when you touch off successfully. A validated card is much quicker and easier to inspect so you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.
Retirement is a great time to pursue activities and initiatives that you may have previously put off. There are numerous groups and organisations dedicated to supporting retired people in their pursuit of new hobbies, activities and education. Here are just a few:
Active Retirement Ireland is a voluntary organisation for active retirees, dedicated to fulfilling the interests and needs of older people in Ireland.
Phone (01) 873 3836
Email info@activeirl.ie
Address 124 The Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7
Age Action Ireland The vision of Age Action is that Ireland becomes the best country in the world in which to grow older.
Phone (01) 475 6989
Email info@ageaction.ie
Address 30/31 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2, D02 EC96
Age & Opportunity works to promote opportunities for greater participation by older people in society in a range of areas from the arts and physical activity to promoting age equality.
Phone (01) 805 7709
Email info@ageandopportunity.ie
Address St Patrick’s Hall, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9
Age Friendly Ireland actively promotes partnerships and collaborations. The Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme is run by effective city and county-based Alliances, involving senior decision-makers from public, commercial and not-for-profit organisations. Age Friendly Ireland assists Alliances aim to streamline the work of all key players at local level, putting the views, interests and needs of older people at their core. Through an Older People’s Council in each participating local authority area older people exercise a strong, guiding influence on agefriendly local development.
Phone (046) 909 7000
Email agefriendlyireland@meathcoco.ie
Address Shared Service Centre, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Navan, Co.Meath
ALONE is a registered charity in Ireland that supports vulnerable older people, providing temporary or permanent housing and combating isolation and loneliness in society.
National Phone Line 0818 222 024
Email hello@alone.ie
Address Olympic House, Pleasants Street, Dublin 8
Care Alliance Ireland is an umbrella group that represents family carers and organisations.
Phone (01) 874 7776
Email info@carealliance.ie
Address Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7
‘Future-proof’ your home to make it a safe, secure and enjoyable place to live
As we age, our health can change and we may find we are more frail, or slightly less mobile, or that our hearing or eyesight are not what they once were.
This can be frustrating and cause concern for our families, who might worry that we could have a fall or an accident that leads to a hospital visit, or that criminals or bogus callers may take advantage of us.
One solution is to future-proof our home, a straightforward and effective way of ensuring safety. We can invest in a whole range of household support aids that make it easier to get around the house and perform tasks.
These ‘handy hacks’ can help to improve quality of life and there are lots of gadgets and utensils
designed to help ageing adults comfortably handle daily tasks, both inside and outside of the home. Furthermore, new technologies are there to improve home safety and security.
Bluebird Care has accumulated a vast bank of knowledge on the simple but effective measures that we can take to make living at home easier, more enjoyable and much safer.
We encourage older people and their loved ones to build home improvements into their plan for ageing and where possible, take steps today to prevent future issues.
Use the tips, tools and techniques outlined throughout this chapter to ensure you can live independently in your home. Details of the gadgets mentioned can be found online.
For ageing adults, everyday tasks in and around the home can become more difficult with age. Yet simple household items used in creative ways can help you to live at home for as long as possible. Follow the tips and tricks below and learn how to handle your daily tasks with ease.
Paint a dot on the end of the key to distinguish between them. Then paint a corresponding coloured dot on the lock that matches that key.
If you find it difficult to remember the contact information of your loved ones, create note cards with their information and set them by the phone. The cards can contain, name, picture, phone number and your relationship to them. This can be useful in the case of an emergency.
If you have a smartphone, set up calendar reminders so that you never forget to take your medicine. If you have trouble hearing your alarm, even though it’s as loud as the device will allow, set the alarm on your phone and put the phone into a pint glass. It will immediately enhance any sound that comes from the phone.
If your ability to grip objects like cups or glasses has deteriorated, the problem can be fixed by placing a number of rubber bands around the object making it less likely to slide from your grasp. A rubber band can also be useful if you don’t have the strength to grip and turn doorhandles. Tie the band around the door handle, cross the band over the lock of the door and wrap it around the opposite door handle. The band will keep the lock inside the door, meaning the door can close but will not be secured in the door frame, making it easy to open.
Put your belt in your trousers before you put them on. In older age your fingers may not be as nimble as in the past, meaning zippers can be a tricky task. However, you can make zippers more prominent and easier to grasp by attaching a generic key ring to them.
Carry a small
handheld torch when you’re staying somewhere unfamiliar such as a hotel or a friend’s house. That way you can safely make your way to the toilet at night.
Try taking the danger out of cutting vegetables by using a pair of scissors or even a pizza cutter on your fresh produce or buy prepared foods such as pre-chopped onions, minced garlic and frozen vegetables and fruit that you can just pop into the saucepan.
Discover the birthplace of venerable patrick peyton c.S.C. – A visitors’ centre celebrating the spiritual and cultural heritage of the rosary priest.
A rare gem nestled at the foot of the Ox Mountains in the heart of County Mayo, the Father Peyton Centre is a place of tranquillity and peace. Welcoming visitors from all over the world, the Father Peyton Centre is a welcoming destination for peace, reflection, and faith. Open yearround, it celebrates the inspiring life of Venerable Patrick Peyton C.S.C., fondly remembered as the “Rosary Priest.”
Born in Attymass in 1909, Patrick Peyton grew up as one of nine children in a hardworking farming family. As a young man, he emigrated to America, where he faced challenges but pursued his dream of becoming a priest. When diagnosed with tuberculosis, he turned to prayer instead of surgery and experienced a remarkable recovery. This miracle led him to dedicate his life to promoting family prayer with his famous message: “The family that prays together stays together.” He reached millions worldwide through radio, film, becoming aa well known as the stars of the time., he counted Bing Crosby, Mareen O’ Hara and James Stewert as just a few of his firm friends and supports. Over four decades he addressed over twenty-six million at his Rosary rallies bringing his simple message of family prayer and peace around the globe.
the Local Link Bus Services. The facilities provided for the locality are very much in demand and the centre strives to make everything as socially inclusive as possible.
The Father Peyton Centre prides itself on its home baking, with traditional apple tarts and scones being a highlight of every visit. The dining area accommodates up to fifty people, making it perfect for group tours or family occasions.
For those looking to stay longer, the Melody Residence is an ideal retreat. Named after Father Peyton’s cousin, Father William Melody, it offers seven ensuite rooms, all fully wheelchair accessible. The peaceful surroundings and beautifully landscaped garden provide the perfect setting for rest and reflection.
Located between Ballina and Foxford, the Father Peyton Centre is an ideal stop to experience the peace and beauty of Mayo’s countryside offering a chance to relax, reflect, and be inspired.
The Father Peyton Centre is a living tribute to Father Peyton’s belief that prayer strengthens families. Whether visiting for a day of reflection, a group retreat, or a family occasion, the Centre warmly welcomes all.
The visitor centre is a testament to Father Peyton’s legacy. Located in the small village where he was born and raised. Visitors can learn about Father Peyton’s life’s work.
One of the highlights is a DVD presentation that tells his fascinating story, tour guides will share the stories behind the personal items on display such as his beads, vestments and other personal items.
The Centre is more than a place of reflection, it’s a hub of community and spirituality. Each Tuesday senior citizens from the surrounding area travel to the centre for Mass, lunch and social activities using
Fr Peyton Memorial Centre, Attymass Ballina, Co Mayo
T: +353 (0) 96 45374 e: info@fatherpeytoncentre.ie www.fatherpeytoncentre.ie
This sturdy AM FAB Over Riser Table is great to have beside your favourite armchair or even your bed. You can swing it around for use whenever you want to read, eat or use a computer.
If you’re constantly straining to distinguish between the different sounds on your television, despite your family telling you it’s too loud, you may need assistive listening headphones. This audio device can allow you to enjoy your TV time once again with crisp and clear audio levels.
1
Tights aid Back problems in older age can make daily tasks a challenge. To help prevent too much over-extension, tights or sock aids can be the ideal helper for your dressing routine.
2
Electronic calendar clocks can be a significant help in the morning. They display the time, day, date, month and year. The large font makes reading the clock easy on the eyes and it can be useful when keeping track of medical appointments and social engagements.
1
Straining to read from either lack of light or deteriorating vision can cause serious migraines and headaches. A magnifying desk lamp resolves both of these issues and allows you to return to your favourite books at the comfort of your own desk.
2
Jumbo playing cards can be much easier for older people with joint difficulty to hold. Alternatively, playing card holders also allow people living with arthritis to keep their hands free.
3
Shoe remover Bending over can be a challenge when you have poor mobility. A shoe remover grips onto the shoe and helps an older individual remove footwear easily.
Senior mobile phones offer you the peace of mind of knowing you can contact a loved one at anytime. Mobiles for older people can be worn around the neck and are designed with large buttons and back-lit numbers. The operating systems are typically easy to use, with enhanced sound, bluetooth, hearing aid compatibility and in some cases, an SOS button.
There are a number of devices to combat hearing loss in regard to your doorbell. One of these is flashing light signallers. When placed around the home these devices will alert you when someone is at the door by flashing, without any added sound. It is perfect for those with hearing problems.
Personal Alarm One of the most common fears with older people is that if they fall or have an accident, they won’t be able to alert anyone. A personal alarm, which can be worn around the neck or on the wrist, ensures that no matter where you are, help isn’t far away.
Pill Cutter If you have difficulty swallowing some of the larger pills in your medicine cabinet, a pill cutter could be just what you need. This product is perfect for those with poor digestion or who don’t feel comfortable using sharp knives to cut the pills themselves. Always check with your pharmacist for advice on pill cutters.
Many ageing adults face transport difficulties when they can no longer drive or are otherwise restricted in their mobility. Luckily there’s now a wide range of mobility scooters available on the market, giving older people affordable control over where they can get to and when. There’s a number of factors we should consider before investing in a mobility scooter – read on to ensure you make the choice that’s right for you.
> Where are you going?
A Class 2 or boot scooter, (small, light and often inexpensive), is perfect for around the house or on a short trip to the shops. Threewheeled scooters have extremely tight turning circles and are ideal for manoeuvring around the house.
> What road will you take?
If you’re thinking of going out on the road, you’ll need the larger Class 3 scooter. You can drive them on any roads, except motorways or
Buying second hand
dual carriageways, that have a speed limit of 80kmph or above. They must have front and rear lights, indicators, hazard lights, a rear-view mirror, brakes and a horn.
> Your body weight and size
If you differ from the advised weight and height, the vehicle could become unsteady and cause an accident.
> Your perfect fit
If you don’t have a dry space outdoors where you can safely charge the scooter, you may need to consider bringing it indoors and finding a place in your home to accommodate it.
> Try before you buy Mobility scooters come in such varying styles and uses that it’s a good idea to test your chosen model before purchase. Make sure the seat is comfortable, you have sufficient legroom and you can easily reach the controls.
Some commercial suppliers also buy unwanted vehicles, recondition them and offer them for sale with a short guarantee. While you are still buying a second hand vehicle, it’s likely to have been serviced and should be in reasonable working order.
Before buying, it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of an occupational therapist on the suitability of the scooter or buggy to your needs.
Learn how a healthy diet can help you or your loved one live a full, active life and preserve your independence into old age
A healthy diet is key to a quality life, whatever age we are. If we form healthy eating habits while we’re young, we can reduce our chances of developing complications later on in life. A good diet also helps maintain fitness and activity levels in our older years.
When we age, our risk of malnutrition increases as we may no longer be able to cook, or even interested in cooking for ourselves. If we’ve just come out of hospital, we may be less inclined to spend time shopping or preparing healthy meals. But by making an extra effort, or by seeking home
care support, we can maintain a healthy diet that will benefit us in everything we do.
At Bluebird Care, we think that people of all ages should look after their diet as best they can. Our Health Care Assistants, who assist ageing adults with meal preparation, are schooled in this philosophy.
This section of the Guidebook contains practical tips and guidelines so that you or your loved one can improve and maintain the quality of your life in your older years.
Take comfort in this delicious, nutritious Irish stew, perfect at any time of the year
• About 1kg/2¼ lb scrag end or neck of Calvey’s Achill Mountain Lamb on the bone
• 2 carrots
• 1 large onion
• 2 celery sticks
• 1 leek
• 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 large sprig fresh thyme
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 150g/5oz small carrots
• 150g/5oz baby or pickling onions
• 1 large floury potato, about 300g/10oz weight, peeled and diced finely
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• A little fresh chopped parsley
• Using a sharp thin boning knife, remove as much meat from the lamb bones as possible. Chop finely and set aside.
• Put the bones into a large pot. Roughly chop the carrots, large onion, celery and leek then place in the pot with the garlic and herbs. Cover with at least 4 litres/7 pints cold water.
• Bring to the boil, season lightly, then simmer gently, uncovered for up to two hours.
• Skim with a large tablespoon if necessary. Let the liquid simmer down until reduced by nearly two thirds. You need about 1.2 litres/2 pints of lovely sweet stock.
• Strain and discard the bones etc. Ideally, cool and chill the stock then you can scrape off any fat that has settled on top.
• Place the lamb meat into a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring slowly to the boil, skim off any scum, then immediately drain into a colander and rinse in cold running water. This scalding removes fat.
• Return the meat to the pan and cover with the stock and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer partially covered, for about 30 minutes, or until tender.
• Meanwhile, peel the carrots and cut into small chunks or shape into neat ‘barrels’. Peel the baby onions, it helps to blanch them in boiling water for a minute for easy peeling. Add the small carrots and baby onions to the soup and cook for another five minutes.
• Then add the diced potato and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until it starts to dissolve into the soup and thicken it. Finally check the seasoning, adding lots of aromatic black pepper and a little sea salt.
• Garnish with sliced spring onion and parsley
For more healthy recipes, go to www.goodfoodireland.ie
Eating healthily, combined with regular physical activity, can help a person live a full, active life, preserving independence into older age. Bluebird Care suggests that you follow these simple dietary guidelines from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) to stay healthy in your older age.
> Balance energy (calorie) needs with physical activity - the more active you are, the more energy you need.
> Include a starchy food (bread, rice, pasta, potato or cereal) at each meal. Always choose high fibre options wherever you can.
> Aim for five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. These are packed with important nutrients to help you stay well. Remember, these can be fresh, frozen, tinned or dried. Have a mixture of different coloured fruit and vegetables such as apples, oranges, bananas, spinach, cabbage, carrots, sweet potato, peppers, sweetcorn etc.
> Stay fit and strong by eating a variety of protein rich foods each day like lean meat, poultry and fish. Salmon, sardines and kippers are packed with heart-healthy omega 3 fats. Eating beans and nuts is a simple way of boosting protein.
> Enjoy alcohol in moderation
> Keep your bones healthy by having three servings of low-fat dairy foods (milk, yoghurt, or cheese) each day. Fortified dairy foods have even more calcium and vitamin D.
> Choose heart-healthy fats such as vegetable oil, olive oil and rapeseed oil for cooking and salad dressings. Spreads made from these fats are great options on bread or in baking.
> Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, squash, juice and milk each day. Among other things, dehydration causes tiredness, dizziness and constipation. As a general guide, about eight glasses should be enough.
> Fibre in your diet can help to move your bowels regularly and also lower your risk of many chronic diseases including heart disease, obesity and some cancers. Good sources of fibre include whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables and pulses such as beans, peas and lentils.
> Calcium and Vitamin D help to maintain bone health, and this is especially important in the later years. Take three servings of Vitamin D-fortified milk, cheese or yoghurt each day. Other calcium-rich foods include fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables and canned fish with soft bones (like sardines). Being a healthy weight can also help to keep bones strong.
> Iron and Vitamin B12 work together to keep anaemia at bay, while also maintaining brain health and your nervous system. Red meat (beef, pork, lamb) is the best source of iron, while fortified cereals, lean meat and some fish and seafood are sources of both iron and Vitamin B12. Taking a Vitamin C-rich food like orange juice at meal times can help your body to absorb iron.
Visit Bluebirdcare.ie for additional information on living a healthy and happy life at home during your older years.
Here are 5 more reasons why you need a Will:
» Provides financial stability for loved ones
» Allows appointment of guardians for minors
» Reduces potential family conflicts after death
» Legally secures the rights of unmarried partners
» Offers assurance that your wishes will be respected
To prevent problems & control your estate, as well as making a will you should also give careful consideration to making an Enduring Power of Attorney or EPA
“Why should I appoint someone to make my decisions?”
Over time, many people lose the ability to make decisions for themselves:
» Incapacity
» Mental illness
» Physical injury
To avoid any challenges, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. Trusting somebody to make decisions is challenging. Especially when those decisions are not easy…
Working with an experienced solicitor can provide peace of mind for you and your family.
To avoid any stress, get in touch with me today: I’d be delighted to be of assistance
To encourage a high fibre diet, choose varieties of wholegrains such as brown breads and high fibre cereals, e.g. porridge, Bran Flakes, Weetabix, etc.
Add fresh or dried fruits to cereals, yoghurt, salads and homemade breads and scones. Mix fruits with milk or juices to make smoothies.
Swap out your white, starchy carbohydrates for brown rice and whole-wheat pasta.
Try taking a small glass of prune juice or three to four prunes daily in the morning.
Ensure adequate hydration by consuming at least 1500ml-2000ml (1.5−2 litres) daily.
Limit intake of alcohol and caffeine - try decaffeinated teas, coffees and mineral drinks (avoid diet mineral drinks)
Consume the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Add puréed vegetables to soups, sauces, stews, casseroles, etc.
Consume more beans, peas, lentils and pulses. Add these to soups, salads, sauces, stews, casseroles, etc. and add linseed (whole or ground) to cereals, yoghurt, salads, smoothies, desserts and in baked goods like breads, scones, etc.
ALSO: Increase all forms of exercise and activities as able. You may need to consider the use of different medications like laxatives, stool softeners, enemas, etc.
Sometimes as we age, we need to fortify the food we eat with extra calories and extra protein*. Here’s how you can do it easily and without breaking the bank!
Add coleslaw to: sandwiches, salads and jacket potatoes. Add extra butter: to bread, toast, sandwiches, rolls, scones, crackers and biscuits.
Add extra gravy to: meat, potatoes and vegetables.
Add Nutella or peanut butter to: bread, toast, biscuits and crackers.
Make mashed potatoes using full/ whole fat milk, cream and butter.
Add extra jam/ marmalade to: bread, toast and scones.
Put a dollop of cream on top of: scones, fruit salad, ice cream, jelly and custard and desserts like cakes, pies and crumbles.
Add 30ml to 40ml of fresh cream to: porridge and cereals, soups, a glass of milk, hot chocolate, smoothies and milkshakes.
Make porridge and cereals with full/ whole fat milk; also try adding sugar or honey before serving for extra calories. Encourage greater snacking in between meals; yoghurt, supplements, chocolates, biscuits with butter and jam, crackers or toast (try spreading butter on top before adding the cheese), pastries (again add butter/ jam/marmalade/ honey).
Add grated cheese to: sandwiches, toast and rolls, jacket potatoes, cooked vegetables, salads and soup.
Add honey to: bread, toast, scones, porridge, cereals, yoghurt and smoothies (limit the amount or avoid if you have diabetes).
Encourage greater intake of more nourishing drinks like: full/whole fat milk, juices, regular fizzy/ mineral drinks (avoid if you have diabetes), hot chocolate or coffee made with hot milk instead of water. Supplement drinks, if recommended by your GP, dietician or nurse. Smoothies and yoghurt drinks are higher in calories and some are higher in protein than common drinks like water, tea and coffee. They will also help maintain good hydration.
* Bluebird Care recommends you check with your GP before making any significant change to your diet.
Many factors can lead to poor intake of meals and snacks. Here are some tips that you can use to encourage greater intake during mealtimes:
> Ensure glasses are on, dentures are in and hearing aids are in and turned on.
> Place foods within the older person’s field of vision or direct attention.
> Offer a varied diet with many choices that consist of strong flavours, sweet flavours and foods with different tastes, colours, textures and smells.
> Serve one course at a time to keep cold foods cold and warm foods warm.
> Prompts such as giving gentle verbal advice or placing the cutlery or cup in the person’s hand can help.
> Consider offering three smaller meals on a tea-plate with two to three snacks in between, rather than three main meals.
> Fortify food and drink to ensure they are getting as much energy and protein as possible e.g. add extra butter, cream, cheese, gravy, etc.
> The physical environment should be calm and relaxed - adequate lighting, eliminate noise disturbances and ensure that there are minimal decorations so as not to overstimulate the diner.
Many older people, and especially people living with dementia, tend to prefer sweeter-tasting foods for different reasons. Therefore, they may consume mostly high calorie but low nutrient foods like cakes or sweets. Here are some tips that you can use to add a sweeter flavour to non-sweet nutritious food to help improve your loved one’s diet.
> Add sweet sauces to bland or savoury meals – cranberry sauce with turkey, mint sauce with lamb, pineapple with ham, barbecue sauce with beef, chicken, pork and sausages. Use sweet sauces with chicken, pork and fish, or add chutney to curry sauces. Offer sweet and sour sauces with all meats, try adding a small amount of honey to potatoes and vegetables, or try adding a small amount of sugar to mince, stews or potatoes.
> Add sweet tastes to sandwiches – apple and cheese on toast, banana on bread/ toast, relish with meat sandwiches or Nutella on bread/toast.
> Add honey to porridge, yoghurt, bread/ toast or scones.
> Add Nutella to porridge.
> Use naturally sweet foods in dishes such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, red/ yellow/orange peppers, sweetcorn and peas. Sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular potatoes for chips and mashed or roasted potatoes.
> Finally, serve meals on a plain, coloured plate so that the food stands out.
Registered Charity Number 20006617
Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the best ways to help fund our work.
Enable Ireland supports 13,000 children and adults with disabilities throughout the country by providing therapy and supports to them and their families. By remembering Enable Ireland in your Will you will make a lasting difference to the lives of children and adults with disabilities in Ireland.
Please contact Dónal on 01 866 5217 or post your query to:
Enable Ireland Fundraising Dept. 31a Rosemount Park Drive, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin Road, Dublin 11
If the time is right to make or update your Will, maybe you’d consider including a gift to help support children and adults living with disability?
By leaving a bequest to Enable Ireland, your kindness will make a truly life-changing impact on future generations who are born with, or acquire a disability.
Maybe you recognise our name from our shops, but did you know that we provide services to over 13,000 people in 43 locations around Ireland?
Every day, we support people with physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities and autism, to fulfil their goals in life. But we need public support to fund our vital life-changing services.
Over the 70 years we’ve been around, huge advances have been made, but our ethos has remained the same - to ensure everyone has
the opportunity to be included in society and to be as independent as possible.
A gift in your Will is wonderful way to support the children of the future to live a happy life with no limits.
If you would like to speak confidentially about leaving a gift in your Will or request more information:
Phone: Dónal on 01 866 5217
Email: dkitt@enableireland.ie
Write to: Dónal Kitt, Enable Ireland, 31A Rosemount Park Drive, Ballycoolin Rd, Dublin 11. Visit: www.enableireland.ie
Registered Charity Number: 20006617
Leave a gift in your will & help children living with serious illness.
Leave behind a little magic! Let your legacy bring magic to the lives of children living with serious illness. A gift in your will whether it is a large or small sum, or a percentage of your estate will make a lasting di erence.
Barretstown o ers free speci cally designed camps and programmes for sick children and their families. When looking after your loved ones in your will you can also transform the lives of sick children for generations to come.
We can help you succeed in making this gift.
For more information, please contact Clare Martin on 045 864 115, email clare.martin@barretstown.org or ll out this slip and return by post to the address below.
Yes, please send me a free brochure
Your care and compassion for others can live on through a legacy gift. By remembering Barretstown in your will you can make sure that every child with serious illness can experience the magic of camp.
Healing doesn’t just happen in hospitals and laughter may very well be the best medicine.
Free and cost-effective services in the community to enhance quality of life
We all need to access different services in the community at different times in our lives. As we age, our focus can turn to health and in Ireland, we’re fortunate enough to have a wide range of services provided by the State, voluntary organisations and private companies, to help us with our care.
If you qualify for a medical card you can avail of free nursing services, community care services, technical aids such as wheelchairs and walking sticks, along with social services, including specialists in speech therapy and diet. Even if you don’t hold a medical card you may be able to access these services, though medical card holders get priority. The HSE’s Home Support Services are also available to those who need them on return from an acute hospital, or to prevent admission to an acute hospital or
long-term residential care. Consumer Directed Home Support (CDHS) is another approach to the delivery of Home Support Services. CDHS is funded by the HSE in the same way as other home support services, but you decide when you want the care to be provided, what kind of care you get and which HSE-approved provider delivers the care.
In addition to health supports there are a range of other community services available to ageing adults, including housing support, household management and security, and age-friendly education and training. This chapter is designed to help you understand the key community services available in Ireland and show you how to make the most of them.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the delivery of public health, community and home care supports at local levels in Ireland.
Public health services provided in the community in Ireland are sometimes referred to as ‘community care services’. They are generally provided by the HSE. Community care services may also be provided in conjunction with, or on behalf of, the HSE. Entitlement to community care services is not clear-cut and the level of services available in different parts of the country varies. In general, medical card holders are entitled to community care services free of charge. Non-medical holders may also be entitled, but it is not always possible to access the services.
The HSE is obliged to provide medical and surgical aids and appliances such as wheelchairs and walking aids free of charge to medical card holders. If you do not have a medical card, you may get such aids and appliances free if they are part of your hospital treatment. In other cases, the HSE may provide some help with the costs. If you have private health insurance, you may be covered for some or all of the costs.
Meals services are generally provided by a mixture of voluntary and statutory bodies. Eligibility conditions vary from area to area and the ways in which these are provided vary from area to area. You may be asked to contribute towards the cost of meals services and this cost may also vary. Access to meals services is generally by referral.
Physiotherapy services are generally provided in the community and usually free to medical card holders. Waiting lists exist in many areas. Home services are only available in a small number of cases.
Occupational therapists are employed by most local health offices. Their services are generally available free to medical card holders. Waiting lists exist in most community care areas for these services.
Chiropody services are available free to medical card holders in most community care areas. Chiropodists treat a wide variety of foot and lower limb conditions, from verrucas to arthritis.
As a preferred HSE care provider, you’ll have the option to choose Bluebird Care from a list of service providers in your area. DID YOU KNOW...
Respite care or temporary care may be based in the community or in a medical facility. In practice, respite care is provided to a varying degree at a number of locations around the country - in some cases by the HSE and in others, by voluntary organisations or private providers such as Bluebird Care.
The HSE is obliged to provide a free nursing service to medical card holders. It is not confined to medical card holders but they get priority. Public health nurses supply many basic nursing and medical needs and a number of specialist services are provided in some community care areas. These include night nursing, day nursing, weekend nursing and twilight nursing. The services provided by the public health nurses vary from area to area and they frequently act as a point of access for other community care services. Their services are free to all people aged over 65 and to those with a long term illness.
The HSE’s Home Support Services are individualised packages of community-based services and support provided to enable people, assessed as needing such support, to return home from an acute hospital or to prevent admission to an acute hospital or longer residential care setting. Home Support Services comprise of services and support such as community health nursing, therapy services, home help services and access to both day and respite care.
Packages are by their nature flexible and tailored to the individual and the changing care needs of the recipient, taking account of his or her particular circumstances. As a preferred HSE care provider, you’ll have the option to choose Bluebird Care from a list of service providers in your area, set up a detailed care consultation and enjoy our outstanding care services free of charge. If you find that you’d like more hours than the HSE provides, you can easily enhance your package, by paying privately for extra hours and availing of tax relief on the costs.
For further information on Home Support Services, contact your local health office or public health nurse.
The Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme is for improving the living conditions of older people by carrying out minor repairs to the main areas of an older person’s home. In general, it is aimed at people who are 66 years of age and older. However, in cases of genuine hardship, the local authority may assist people under age 66.
The type of work that will be grant-aided includes structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repair or replacement of windows and doors, and the provision of water, sanitary services, heating, cleaning and painting. The maximum grant available under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is €8,000, which may cover 95% of the approved cost of works.
This maximum grant of 95% is available to people with annual household incomes of less than €30,000, tapering to 30% for those with annual household incomes of €50,001 to €60,000. Contact the Housing Section of your local authority for more information about the eligibility rules in your area, which may differ from those in other local authority areas.
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for works designed to address mobility problems in the home, such as the purchase and installation of grab-rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair-lift. It is primarily for older people, but people with a disability can also access the scheme. The grant is available to people with a maximum household income less than €30,000. The maximum grant available is €6,000 and may cover 100% of the cost of the work. Contact your local authority for more information.
A housing adaptation grant is available where changes need to be made to a home to make it suitable for a person with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability, or mental health difficulty, to live in. The grant can help you to make changes and adaptations to your home, for example, making it wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet, or a stair-lift. In some cases, the provision of heating can be included, but only under certain conditions.
Priority will be given to people on medical grounds. If your household income is less than €30,000 you may qualify for 95% of the cost of the works (up to the maximum grant amount of €30,000). The proportion of the costs to be grant-aided will be tapered from 95% down to 30%, depending on your income. Contact the Housing Department of your local authority for further information and an application form.
€40,001 - €50,000 50%€4,000
€50,001 - €60,000 30%€2,400
Over €60,000 No grant payable
Some local authorities provide special accommodation for older people, usually community accommodation with special security features such as wardens and security cameras. Each local authority allocates housing in accordance with its own housing allocation scheme (formerly known as schemes of letting priorities). Age limits for older people’s accommodation can vary from one local authority’s housing allocation scheme to another.
Voluntary housing organisations provide housing in a similar way to local authorities. They provide two types of housing for older people: group schemes and sheltered housing. They have some discretion about whom they house, but most of their housing is assigned in consultation with the local authority. Tenants in sheltered housing pay rent and may qualify for rent supplement. Rent Supplement is paid to people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources. The amount of Rent Supplement you get will be calculated to ensure that your income after paying rent does not fall below a minimum level.
If you can’t afford to keep your home warm and comfortable or to pay your fuel and electricity bills, you may be eligible for the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme. Through this scheme, a range of energy-saving measures may be installed in your home, at no cost to you.
These measures include: draught-proofing; attic insulation; lagging jackets for hot water tanks; low energy light bulbs; and wall insulation - including cavity wall, internal wall and external wall insulation. Energy advice is also provided as part of this service.
The Seniors Alert Scheme provides grant support for the supply of equipment to enable older people without sufficient means to continue to live securely in their homes. The grant scheme is run by Pobal and the grant assistance is made available through community and voluntary groups registered with Pobal. To be eligible you must be: aged 65 or over and of limited means or resources; living alone or with someone who also meets the eligibility criteria; living in the area covered by the community group administering the grant support; able to benefit from the equipment being supplied; willing to maintain contact with the community group.
For more information, contact the Seniors Alert Scheme in Pobal: Tel: (01) 511 7222
Email: onlinesupport@pobal.ie
If you are having difficulty managing your energy bills, your electricity or natural gas supplier may be able to install a prepayment or payas-you-go meter in your home. These meters let you pay for small amounts of energy before using it. You simply buy credit from a selection of newsagents nationwide and put it into the meter, a bit like the way you might buy credit for a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. This system can
help you to manage your energy budget, avoid a larger energy bill every two months, and avoid building up debt. However, while a prepayment meter can help you to budget for your electricity or gas needs, you should check whether it is suitable for you. If you are eligible for the Special Services Register (which protects your home from disconnection), it is better to stay on that register and pay your bill in the normal way.
If you are finding it hard to pay your fuel bills, contact your gas or electricity supplier straight away. All suppliers offer different ways to pay. You should be able to agree a payment plan that you can afford with your supplier. It is also worth remembering that your gas or electricity will not be turned
off between November and March for non-payment of bills if you are: registered on the industry Special Services Register; aged 66 years or over; living alone or with another older person; living with a child under the age of 18. To find out if you are eligible for the register, please contact your
electricity or gas supplier directly. Your electricity supply will also not be cut off if you are on the register or you rely on kidney dialysis or oxygen machines at home. If there is an unexpected power failure in the network, your electricity supplier will make restoring your electricity a priority.
There is a range of full-time and part-time courses available to Ireland’s ageing adults
> The Further Education & Training Course Hub (www.fetchcourses.ie) is a valuable source of information for those who wish to pursue a course of training or education on a variety of subjects. All of the courses are open to older people, and the community education courses are particularly popular with retired citizens, especially those that focus on the use of mobile and new and emerging communications technologies.
> The Back to Education Initiative provides parttime further education programmes for young people and adults. It aims to give participants an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Programmes are offered in partnership with a number of agencies throughout the country on a flexible part-time basis. Classes are offered throughout the year in the morning, afternoons, evenings or weekends. Courses lead to a range of accreditation at levels 1-6 on the NFQ.
> NFQ Adult Literacy programmes are provided to people inside and outside of the labour force who want to improve their communication skills in the areas of reading, writing, and numeracy, as well as information technology. Programmes are typically delivered for 2-4 hours per week during the academic year.
> Part-time Evening Courses of typically 30 hours duration over 10 weeks provide short up-skilling modules for both unemployed and employed persons. Examples of courses include Welding TIG, Interior Design, ECDL, CAD, Door Security, Supervisory Management, and Start Your Own Business. Courses generally lead to accreditation at levels 4-6 on the NFQ or certification from a recognised industry accrediting body.
> Aontas advocates and lobbies for the development of a quality service for adult learners, promotes the value and benefits of adult learning and builds organisational capacity. Membership is open to all organisations, groups and individuals interested in the promotion or advancement of adult education.
> Community Education is adult learning which takes place in local community settings across Ireland. It is learner-centred and responds to the needs of the local community. The Community Education Network (CEN) was established by Aontas in 2007. It is a network of over 100 independently-managed community education providers who work collaboratively, sharing information and resources, engaging in professional development and working to ensure that community education is valued and resourced.
As Ireland’s population continues to age, good quality care options are more important than ever. Fortunately, the range of care options available to Ireland’s ageing adults is expanding.
Whether provided by the State, privately or through non-profit organisations, and whether medical, non-medical or specialist in nature, support for older people and their families is widely accessible today.
Home care, or supportive care that is provided in an individual’s home by professionals, is by far the most-preferred care option among
Ireland’s older people and family members who need support in looking after their loved ones. The Covid-19 pandemic showed that home care helps keep older people safe, due to the remarkably low rates of infection among people who were receiving care at home.
With a national network spanning 20+ offices and HSE approved provider status in every county, Bluebird Care is an expert in providing quality home care services. This chapter outlines the care options we provide to older people, the facts around Alzheimer’s and how best to communicate with a person with dementia.
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Given the option, the majority of Ireland’s ageing adults would prefer to live in their own homes and remain in their local communities, rather than move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. For those that need additional support at home, state funded, or privately funded home care is available.
No one should have to leave what’s familiar behind, just because their personal care needs have changed. We can offer peace of mind and the flexibility that your care can be bespoke to you or your loved ones needs. All of our Health Care Assistants are employed and trained directly by Bluebird Care, where we offer regular supervision and professional development to everyone in our care team.
Care plans are flexible and additional hours can be provided through your local office if required.
Talk to your local Bluebird Care office to discuss your care needs and avail of information and resources regarding ageing in Ireland. You may also wish to discuss your needs with your family, a health care professional such as a GP, public health nurse or hospital discharge planner. The internet is also a valuable resource, with a host of information on available care options.
See page 78
Our Home Care options include:
• Companionship Care
• Health & Wellbeing Checks
• Home Care
• Night Care
• Respite Care
There are benefits to each option so you’ll need to consider which works best for you or your loved ones and your situation. With kindness and compassion, our highly trained and trusted team deliver bespoke care packages that are tailored to you or your loved ones individual needs. To ascertain the level of care you or your loved one might need, our team will begin with a a phone conversation to discuss your general care needs and provide an overview of how we can help. Based on the in-home assessment, our Bluebird Care team will create a tailored care plan designed specifically to meet the unique needs of you or your loved one, followed by an introduction to your dedicated care team. A personalised care plan will be implemented to ensure you or your loved one receive the best possible support and will be reviewed on a continual basis. All our staff are employed directly by Bluebird Care, so we deal with the administering of payroll, taxes, PRSI, providing comprehensive public liability and employers liability insurance.
40%
If you are paying for home care services, you may be able to claim tax relief up to €75,000 per annum at your highest rate.
The Home Support Services scheme aims to help people who need medium to high-level support to continue living at home, by providing them with home support services. Services are delivered on a needs basis, and you must apply directly to your local HSE health office to have your care needs assessed. Once your Home Support Services have been approved, you can select a home care services provider. Turn to our Directory section from page 92 to find your local Bluebird Care office.
Research confirms that people living with dementia have better care outcomes when living in familiar surroundings such as their home, due to the familiarity of the environment. Home Care also helps families eliminate worry, reduce stress and re-establish a degree of personal freedom.
At Bluebird Care, we know how important it is to provide person centred care and support to all of our customers, particularly those living with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease. Most people with this progressive condition prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible, rather than move to residential care or nursing homes.
Bluebird Care offers a range of services to support people with Alzheimer’s so they are able to be as independent as possible and live the lives they choose. We believe in working in partnership with our customers, their family and other care professionals to provide the very best care and support.
A manager from your local Bluebird Care office will arrange a visit to create a unique care and support plan with you and your loved ones. As each person is affected differently, the plan will support you or your loved one to achieve specific goals and aspirations. Our fully trained care professionals develop a relationship with you so they can spend time learning how you or your loved one would prefer us to communicate, so you or your loved one can stay in control of the care and support needed, as much as possible.
We always seek to understand each customer’s behaviour and support them to feel good about themselves.
To read about the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s National Helpline
See page 63
> Talk to the person in a tone of voice that conveys respect.
> Keep your explanations short.
> Position yourself at the person’s eye level.
> Identify yourself and explain what you propose to do.
> Use visual cues whenever possible.
> Attempt to interpret the person’s nonverbal communication.
> Paraphrase and use a calm tone of voice.
> Speak slowly and say words clearly.
> Encourage talk about things that they are familiar with.
> Use touch if appropriate.
Don’t
> Use complicated words, phrases or long sentences.
> Begin a task without explaining who you are or what you are about to do.
> Try and compete with a distracting environment.
> Provoke a catastrophic reaction by asking the person to do more than one task at a time.
> Disregard your own non-verbal communication.
> Disregard talk that may seem to be “rambling”.
> Shout or talk too fast.
> Interrupt unless it cannot be helped.
> Touch or invade their personal space if they are showing signs of fear or aggression.
As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Bluebird Care teamed up with Dunnes Stores to open a training simulator to the public
In collaboration with Dunnes Stores, the aim of the Dementia bus experience was to create a better understanding of what it can be like for those living with dementia, in hopes of developing a better support system for those affected.
Bluebird Care’s first-of-its-kind Virtual Dementia Simulator has been scientifically proven to let people experience the disorientation and memory loss that those with dementia face daily. The initiative supported World Alzheimer’s Day and calls to develop a more dementia-friendly society for the more than 55,000 Irish people who are living with the disease. This immersive roadshow offered an eye-opening glimpse into their world.
The Simulator, according to Bluebird Care’s CEO Jonathan Gardner, is an essential step towards building empathy and understanding within our communities, which are key to improving the quality of care. “Being able to share and respond to the emotions and experiences of another person builds empathy and understanding. We all fear the unknown and dementia can be a worrying experience for the sufferer and their family.
“Importantly, this type of initiative by Bluebird Care gets us all talking about how we can make our communities more inclusive for those with dementia, which is hugely positive,” he said. The response to the initiative has been excellent, he said. “Literally walking in the person’s shoes and understanding their situation is priceless. Dementia presents unique challenges, particularly with early-onset disease. Bluebird Care is heavily invested in growing staff numbers and in specialist training to meet demand.”
The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI) National Helpline is an indispensable service that provides a crucial lifeline for families, caregivers and the general public, offering a range of resources and guidance to support cares to navigate the challenges of dementia.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging and emotionally taxing. The ASI National Helpline provides a compassionate space where caregivers can share their concerns and receive support from trained professionals.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be life changing and it is common to feel an array of emotions. We are here to listen; answer your questions and help you or your loved one navigate the next steps in a supportive and confidential way.
If you are worried that yourself or a loved one may dementia, we can provide support and guidance on what dementia is and the process of how a dementia diagnosis is made.
The helpline is a valuable source of information on various topics which also offers guidance and signposting on accessing services and creating a supportive environment. This information empowers caregivers to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of dementia care.
The ASI National Helpline also plays a significant role in advocacy as it educates callers on the rights of people with dementia. This helps to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
Alzheimer.ie Chy7868/Reg No. 102700
The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI) National Helpline is an indispensable service that provides a crucial lifeline for families, caregivers, and the general public, offering a range of resources and guidance to support cares to navigate the challenges of dementia.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging and emotionally taxing. The ASI National Helpline provides a compassionate space where caregivers can share their concerns and receive support from trained professionals.
Support for People Living with Dementia
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be life changing and it is common to feel an array of emotions. We are here to listen; answer your questions and help you navigate the next steps in a supportive and confidential way.
Support for People Worried about Dementia
If you are worried that yourself or a loved one may dementia, we can provide support and guidance
on what dementia is and the process of how a dementia diagnosis is made.
The helpline is a valuable source of information on various topics which also offers guidance and signposting on accessing services and creating a supportive environment. This information empowers caregivers to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of dementia care.
The ASI National Helpline also plays a significant role in advocacy as it educates callers on the rights of people with dementia. This helps to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
Alzheimer.ie | Chy7868/Reg No. 102700
Ireland’s ageing adults can access a wide range of allowances and entitlements from retirement age onwards, which help to bring in income, pay bills, facilitate travel around the country and cover medical expenses. However, many people do not benefit from all of their allowances and entitlements because they don’t know that they exist! This section aims to ensure that readers are aware of their benefits and how they can apply for them.
While many are very well-known, such as the State pension, other benefits can depend on
the individual’s unique circumstances or even their age. Beyond the reliefs and entitlements available to older adults, there is a range of grants and supports available to family carers who support their loved ones. Anyone who employs a professional home carer can apply for tax relief (at their highest rate) on the costs of that care, up to a maximum of €75,000. This tax relief scheme can significantly bring down the cost of Bluebird Care’s Private Home Care services. Our Care Managers can guide you or your loved one through the process.
Early retirement usually means retirement before the age of 65. It may happen because a person is obliged to retire from their job at a certain age, because they choose to take early retirement, or because they have been let go. Sometimes people who are described as taking early retirement have been made redundant. Others who have been obliged to take early retirement may regard themselves as unemployed and there are special provisions for older jobseekers. If you are made redundant, you may get a statutory redundancy lump sum. This is the minimum sum that you must get. A higher payment may of course be negotiated with your employer, either by you or by your union. If you retire early, for whatever reason, you may be entitled to Jobseeker’s Benefit, and later to Jobseeker’s Allowance. You may
also be eligible for a range of back to work and back to education schemes. If you do retire early, you should organise to continue your PRSI contributions so that your entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) is maintained.
Whether you consider yourself to be retired or unemployed, you may be eligible for Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) if you are aged under 66. You may then be eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA). If you are claiming JA or JB and you are 62 or over, you are not required to engage with the activation process and you will not be subject to penalty rates for non-engagement. Note that to qualify for either Jobseeker’s Benefit or Allowance you must be genuinely seeking work and be available for full-time employment and
these conditions will continue to apply to older jobseekers. You can voluntarily avail of a range of supports (for example, training or employment support programmes) from the Department of Social Protection & Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. To qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) you must, among other things, be unemployed, aged under 66, capable of work, available for work and genuinely seeking work. If you have left work voluntarily, for example, if you have chosen early retirement, you may not get JB for nine weeks after leaving work. After that, you may have a problem proving that you are available for and genuinely seeking work.
If you are aged under 55 and you have received a redundancy payment of more than €50,000, you may be disqualified from JB for 9 weeks. You can do a certain amount of work and continue to get some Jobseeker’s Benefit. You should check with the Department of Social Protection before taking up work to see exactly what the effect
will be. As a general rule, JB is payable for either 9 months or 6 months. However, if you are aged between 65 and 66 when your JB would normally end, you may continue to receive it until the age of 66, provided you meet the PRSI requirements. If you have used up your entitlement to JB or you are not entitled to JB because you do not have enough PRSI contributions, you can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance if you are under 66. You must, among other things, be unemployed, be capable of, available for, and actively seeking work and pass a means test. In general, if you have a reasonable level of pension from a former employer, you are unlikely to qualify for JA.
If you have been getting an unemployment payment for some time, you may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance.
You get social insurance credits while getting Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance. So, if you are getting one of these benefits up to age 65 or 66, you do not need to do anything else to maintain your social insurance record. If you do not qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance because you do not pass the means test, you can sign on for credits. Usually, you are allowed to sign on once a month. If you do not qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance because you are considered to be unavailable for work, you may not be able to sign on for credits either. If this is the case or if, for example, you want to spend all or part of your retirement abroad, you can become a voluntary contributor to social insurance. You should apply to the Department of Social Protection to become a voluntary contributor within a year of retirement.
The State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a payment for people aged 66 and over who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) (SPC). If you are getting a reduced SPC, you should check if you would be better off getting a State Pension (Non-Contributory). The State Pension (Non-Contributory) is taxable, but if it is your only income you are unlikely to pay tax on it.
If you are getting State Pension (NonContributory), you may be entitled to:
> Rent Supplement – a payment that helps with the cost of your rent.
> Living Alone Increase – a supplementary payment for people getting certain social welfare payments who are living alone.
> Household Benefits Package – a package of benefits that provides financial assistance with the cost of some household utilities. It includes an electricity or gas allowance and a free television licence.
> Free Travel Pass – allows people on certain social welfare payments to access public transport services for free. If you live on a specified island off the Irish coast, you can access certain private transport services.
> Fuel Allowance – an allowance that provides help with the cost of fuel to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments.
> Island Increase – a supplementary payment for people getting certain social welfare payments and living on specified islands off the coast.
> Centenarian’s Payment – a payment made to all Irish citizens and people normally considered to be living in the State on reaching 100 years of age.
> Carer’s Support Grant – an annual payment made to carers, aged 16 or over, providing fulltime care for at least six months a year.
> Telephone Support Allowance – a weekly rate is available for people who are getting both the Living Alone Increase and the Fuel Allowance along with their social welfare payment.
If a relative getting a State Pension (NonContributory) from the Department of Social Protection dies, inform the Department of the death as soon as possible and return the person’s social services card (the card they use to collect their payment at the post office). Note both the PPS Number and card number for your reference. Also return their Free Travel Pass. Usually, the spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or carer will receive a payment for six weeks following the death.
Fill in a State Pension (Non-Contributory) application form. Obtain an application form from your Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office, post office or Citizens Information Centre. Send your completed application form to Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo, Ireland. Apply three months before you reach 66.
The State Pension (Contributory) is paid to people from the age of 66 who have enough Irish social insurance contributions. It is not meanstested. You can have other income and still get a State Pension (Contributory). This pension is taxable but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income. If you retire early, you should ensure that you continue to pay PRSI contributions or get credited contributions (if eligible) to maintain your entitlement to a pension. If you are getting Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) and are aged between 65 and 66 when your JB would normally end, you may continue to receive it until the age of 66, provided you meet the PRSI requirements.
Since 30 March 2018, people who applied for the State Pension (Contributory) after 1 September 2012 and whose pensions were reduced (because of contribution gaps for homemaking and caring) have been reassessed under a Total Contributions Approach and can avail of a HomeCaring Periods Scheme.
The Total Contributions Approach (TCA) means that a person’s total social insurance contributions paid, rather than when they were paid, are taken into account when assessing their entitlement to a pension. The HomeCaring Periods Scheme provides for up to 20 years of homemaking and caring duties. The changes benefit people who spent time outside the paid workplace, raising families or in caring roles.
You are automatically paid an extra allowance of €10 per week when you reach 80 years of age. This increase is not paid to adult dependents. In addition, a Living Alone Increase may be payable to people who live completely alone. You may also be eligible for other benefits:
> Medical Cards: If you have a medical card issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE), you can receive certain health services free of charge. Normally, your dependent spouse or partner and your children are also covered for the same range of health services. To qualify for a medical card, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash income, savings, investments and property (except for your own home) are taken into account in the means test. The assessment of a couple for medical card purposes is based on the age of the older person. If your income is above the limit, you may still be able to obtain a medical card if your circumstances would result in hardship without one. This is sometimes called a discretionary medical card. Call 0818 22 44 78 to apply for a medical card or contact your local health office. You can also apply online at www.medicalcard.ie.
> Household Benefits Package: This is a package of allowances which help you with the costs of running your household. The package is available to everyone aged over 70 and to people under age 70 in certain circumstances. You must be living permanently in the State (this means full-time and all year round) and you must apply for a Public Services Card (PSC) if requested to do so by the Department of Social Protection. Only one person in a household can qualify for the package at any time. You must show that you are the registered consumer at the address for which you are applying for the Household Benefits, for example, by providing a utility bill. If you are renting your home, your landlord must provide written confirmation that you are a tenant (including the MPRN or GPRN of the address you are living at) and confirm that you are paying your own energy bills.
Every year, 72,000 children under five die from illnesses linked to dirty water, compared with 3,400 from war-related violence
But UNICEF is making a difference and has water programmes in 158 countries around the world. These are funded thanks to the generosity of our donors, including those who decided to leave a legacy gift in their Will.
Making a difference in Yemen
In Yemen, UNICEF has solar powered water projects securing safe water for 2.5 million Yemenis, including 137,000 people in the city of Dhamar. This is where Nabil, his wife Salma and their three children live, having been forced to flee conflict in their hometown of Taiz.
The blockade of Yemen’s Hudaydah port had stopped supplies of fuel into the country
needed for its’ infrastructure to function. So even in Dhamar’s relative safety, the family’s existence was perilous. Nabil and his family lived in inadequate housing with no reliable income. They struggled to find anything to eat or drink and once had to survive three days without a drop of water.
The family’s only source of water was from water trucks where the whole family would join long queues to get 20, sometimes 30 litres — just 4–6% of what the UN recommend the family has each day.
Nabil says: “The water tasted strange; it tasted odd.”
It didn’t affect the adults, but the water made three-year-old
Mohammed ill. Suffering from a sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, he was diagnosed with cholera at the hospital.
Water crisis affects safety and education
Nabil and Salma were distraught, convinced Mohammed was going to die. “I felt like our boy was done,” says Nabil. But thanks to his parents’ quick thinking and care, Mohammed made a full recovery. “When he got better, we were relieved as we saw our son well, and everything got better.”
Though, of course, Nabil and Salma’s worries weren’t over. With no dependable supply of clean water, any of their three children could catch a life-threatening disease — and the next time may not end happily.
As well as deadly diseases, the lack of safe water was impacting children’s education. Ensuring their families had enough water; many were forced to drop out of school to join the lengthy queues at the water tankers.
How safe water empowers local communities
UNICEF’s €1.2 million solarpowered water project now provides safe, running water in Nabil’s apartment and to another 137,000 Dhamar residents. What’s more, the project is growing Yemen’s own sustainable skilled workforce. So, one day Nabil’s son Mohammed may grow up to become like Hasan.
Hasan is a 24−year-old engineer who supervises Dhamar’s huge solar-powered water system — ensuring the delivery of clean water to his community. “UNICEF provided the panels, inverters, control devices and the entire system,” says Hasan.
Hasan sees his work as both a humanitarian service and a highly technical skill. He hopes others
in Yemen learn skills like his, so his country isn’t reliant on outside technical assistance.
“It allows us to assist directly instead of waiting for other engineers to come from other countries,” explains Hasan. “This project has inspired me to create new solutions to problems.”
Sustaining a project like this is always complex, but this is even more true in Yemen, which remains in the grip of an ongoing conflict.
Transforming lives with solar power
Yet, despite the difficulty, UNICEF is partnering with Yemeni communities in another 149 solar water projects, reaching 2.5 million people with clean, safe water.
These projects connect clean water to schools, health centres — every aspect of community life. Moreover, at the same time they reduce consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. So far,
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fossil fuel consumption in these water systems has been reduced by up to 63% in urban areas and between 80–100% in rural areas.
The impact of such initiatives is clear: they generate and secure clean water sources for the future. They also stabilise communities by generating sustainable employment and combat the health and economic impact of unsafe and insecure water supplies.
Breaking the cycle of poverty and disease
Overall diarrhoea deaths attributable to unsafe water and sanitation almost halved between 2000 and 2019. But we need to do more.
Experts tell us that globally, 1 in 4 children will live in areas with high water stress by 2040.
UNICEF’s commitment to clean water initiatives is a core part of our organisational DNA. We have the world’s largest clean water programme to benefit
Complete the form below to receive a free, no-obligation legacy information pack which includes a Will Planner.
FREEPOST (no stamp required) to: Pauline Murphy, Legacy Gifts Manager, UNICEF Ireland, 33 Lower Ormond Quay, FREEPOST F407, Dublin 1, D01 R283
Hasan, Head of Maintenance, stands proudly in front of the solar-powered water and sanitation plant at Dhamar
children. This is why a gift in your Will to UNICEF is vital to continue to invest in sustainable water programmes for children and break the cycle of poverty and disease.
Rewrite a child’s future
To receive your free no-obligation legacy information pack, which includes a Will Planner, complete the form below and return to c/o Pauline Murphy.
Learn more at unicef.ie/legacy
If you are meeting your solicitor to include a gift to UNICEF in your Will, the details you will need are as follows:
UNICEF Ireland: Registered Charity Number: 20008727 Revenue Number: CHY NO. 5616 Registered Offices: 33 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Number:
I would like to receive updates on how my support has helped children and information on other ways to help: If you prefer not to be contacted by post in the future, please contact us at info@unicef.ie Visit unicef.ie/about/privacy-policy for information about UNICEF’s data management practices. Phone Email
Please don’t hesitate to contact us to speak in confidence.
Pauline Murphy Legacy Gifts Manager
pauline@unicef.ie +353 1 878 3000
People have the right to choose where they wish to spend the last days of their lives and for many, this will be to remain at home in familiar surroundings
At Bluebird Care, we provide essential home care and support to enable you and your family to make this choice. Bluebird Care can design an end of life care plan with you and, where you wish it, your family or friends. Our home care service will then be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. We value and respect each person’s spirituality and their right to dignified care at this time of their lives.
Our team will work with health professionals to manage your symptoms, maintain your dignity and keep you as comfortable as possible. Our trained and caring team will be with you every step of the way.
> Choices and priorities of our customer are at the centre of Bluebird Care planning and delivery
> Open and sensitive communication – our customer, families and friends are well informed about the range of options and resources available to them to be involved with care planning
> Care is delivered in a sensitive, personcentred way, taking account of circumstances, wishes and priorities of the customer, family and friends
> Our Health Care Assistants are fully trained in end of life care and are supported to develop further knowledge and skills.
At Bluebird Care, we’re here to support our customers in their final days. Over the next few pages, you will find practical information on end of life care.
You may want to talk to your solicitor about appointing one person to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. This person can take care of the following:
> Bank accounts
> Life assurance
> Insurance policies – home, property, car etc
> Mortgage documents
> Pensions
> Credit cards
> Tax affairs
> House deeds
> Any debts
The Irish Hospice Foundation runs a Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme to make sure that end of life, palliative and bereavement care are central to the everyday business of hospitals. The programme aims to improve the standard of endof-life care in hospitals. More than 40 public and private hospitals are now linked to the programme.
Hospice care aims to improve the lives of people whose illness is no longer curable. It helps them to live as fully as possible to the end. It seeks to relieve the physical symptoms of illness while equally addressing the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice care also provides support to families and those who are important to the patient, and extends its reach into bereavement.
Hospice care can be provided in various care settings such as a hospice, your home, a family member’s home, a hospital or a nursing home.
The terms ‘hospice care’ and ‘palliative care’ are sometimes used interchangeably. Palliative care is the term generally used by those working in the health service. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness. It does this by preventing and relieving suffering by:
> Identifying problems early
> Assessing and treating pain
> Assessing and treating other problems –physical, psychosocial and spiritual.
Email accounts, social networking profiles and photo sharing are seamlessly integrated into many of our everyday lives. Things like digital music libraries and photo albums are valuable, so creating a plan for these assets is important. Consider making a password-protected list of your online accounts that includes all the user identification, passwords and account numbers. If you choose, you can provide the executor of your will with the instructions on where to obtain your password list and what should be done with it. Alternatively, you can give the list to a family member or friend that you trust and give them instructions on what to do with it. If you
are on Facebook, you can pick a beneficiary of your Facebook account. You can set this up in your general Security setting tab under Legacy Contact. This legacy contact will manage your memorialised Facebook account after you have passed away.
An enduring power of attorney (EPA) is a legal device that can be set up by a person (the donor) to allow another person (an attorney), to look after their financial or personal affairs, in the event that they no longer have the capacity to do so themselves. It’s an arrangement that gives authority to a person you know and trust, to act on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make certain decisions in the future.
Having an EPA is a good way of planning for the possibility that you may not be able to make certain decisions for yourself at some stage. EPAs do not cover decisions about medical treatment. You can make an Advance Healthcare Directive if you want to make decisions about the medical treatment you get in the event that you lose your capacity.
An EPA that was made on or after 26 April 2023 only takes effect when each of the following has occurred:
> The EPA has been registered with the Decision Support Service
> The donor lacks decision-making capacity
> The Decision Support Service has been notified of the incapacity and it accepts the fact
An EPA made before 26 April 2023 only takes effect if registered with the Office of the Ward of Courts. An attorney can register the EPA when the donor becomes incapable of managing their affairs.
The EPA can give general authority to the attorney to do anything that the attorney might lawfully do, or it may merely give authority to do specific acts on your behalf.
You can grant the attorney the power to make decisions regarding your property and affairs, including the power to:
> Sell, exchange, mortgage or gift your property (subject to some limitations)
> Buy property on your behalf
> Carry on a trade or profession on your behalf, where it is lawful to do so
> Carry out any contract you are a party to
> Pay your debts, taxes and carry out any other duties
> Apply for social welfare payments on your behalf
You can grant the attorney power to make decisions regarding your affairs
You can grant the attorney the power to make certain personal welfare decisions on your behalf. A personal welfare decision includes a decision concerning one or more of the following:
> Your accommodation, including whether you should live in a designated centre
> Your participation in employment, education or training
> Your participation in social activities
> Decisions on any social services provided or to be provided you
> Healthcare Healthcare does not include medical interventions. For example, the attorney does not have the power to decide as to whether or not a person suffering from dementia should undergo surgery. You can make an Advance Healthcare Directive to outline the medical treatment you would prefer in the event that you can no longer communicate your wishes.
If your enduring power of attorney was made before 26 April 2023, the personal welfare decisions to be made by the attorney must be made in your best interests, must be in accordance with what you would have been likely to do, and the attorney must consult family members and carers in making these decisions. The attorney is considered to be acting in your best interests if they reasonably believe that what they decide is in your best interests.
For further information, go to: Decision Support Service Waterloo Exchange, Waterloo Road, Dublin 4 D04 E5W7 Republic of Ireland 01 2119750 www.decisionsupportservice.ie queries@decisionsupportservice.ie
Recover your zest for life
Undergo a full medical assessment and surgery within a month.
Having trouble walking? Memory failing you?
Struggling with incontinence and an acute need to urinate?
Almost four percent of all people over the age of 65 suffer from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Although the condition is quite common, many cases go untreated.
The earlier you receive treatment, the better the outcome
In most places, the waiting lists for shunt surgery are long. However, alternatives solutions are just a short flight away. In Denmark, Private Hospital Mølholm can offer NPH assessment and treatment with a guaranteed maximum waiting time of just four weeks. Both the assessment and the procedure can be carried out during a single visit to the clinic with one overnight stay. The operation takes about 45 minutes.
Private Hospital Mølholm is located 30 minutes away from Billund Airport. There are direct flights from Dublin to Billund almost daily. We can help organise flights and accommodation.
Feel free to contact our contact person for Ireland and the UK, Mr. Morten Bonde Pedersen at mpe@molholm.dk or mobile +45 29 48 40 86
Cranio-surgical Clinic
Private Hospital Mølholm · Brummersvej 1 · 7100 Vejle · Denmark +45 87 20 30 35 · www.molholm.dk
BLUEBIRD CARE WEXFORD
32 Key West, Custom House Quay, Wexford Y35 Y192 (053) 9153933 wexford@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE TIPPERARY & EAST CORK
Unit 8 Crann Ard Business Centre, Crann Ard Boherduff, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary E91 YC03
(052) 618 8080 (Tipperary) (021) 422 4343 (East Cork) tipperary@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE SLIGO & MAYO
Suite 6, Quayside Shopping Centre, Quay Street, Sligo, F91 D540 (071) 915 5008 (Sligo) (094) 928 6006 (Mayo) sligo@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE NORTH EAST
Suite 7/8 The Business Centre, Blackthorn Business Park, Coe’s Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 F309 (042) 937 0990 northeast@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE MEATH
Unit 8 Navan Enterprise Centre, Trim Road, Dillonsland, Navan, Co, Meath, C15 F674 (046) 909 0333 fax (046) 90110211 meath@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE LONGFORD, ROSCOMMON, WESTMEATH
Office Unit, 1st Floor, Block B, Monksland Business Park, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon N37 E4A8 (090) 6491044 lrw@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE LIMERICK
Lower Ground Floor, Hibernian House, 105 Henry Street, Limerick V94 X0XT
(061) 481 208 limerick@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE LAOIS & OFFALY
26 Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 AKC5 (057) 866 6377 laois@bluebirdcare.ie offaly@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE KILDARE
Abbey House, White Abbey Road, Kildare Town R52A 589 (045) 832 978 kildare@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE KERRY & WEST CORK
Unit 4 Liber House, Monavalley Business Park, Tralee, Kerry, V92 E9E2 (066) 7104 015 fax ( 066) 712 3914 kerrywestcork@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE GALWAY
Block 6 Galway Technology Park, Parkmore, Galway, H91 W30F (091) 480 048fax (091) 764 014 galway@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE DUBLIN WEST
Unit 7, Block 8, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Ballycoolen Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 D15TD6C (01) 820 8250 fax (01) 687 7094 dublinwest@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE DUBLIN SOUTH
Frankfort Hall, Dundrum Road, Dundrum, D14 RX27 (01) 206 1974 dublinsouth@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE DUBLIN SOUTH WEST
Units 43/44, GD House, Whites Town Drive, Tallaght Business Park, D24 FW5D (01) 913 1932
dublinsouthwest@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE DUBLIN SOUTH EAST AND WICKLOW
67 Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 V652 (01) 214 4066 / (01) 214 4067 fax (01) 214 4068
dublinsoutheast@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE DUBLIN NORTH EAST
81 Main Street, Applewood Village, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 R590 (01) 840 8222 / (01) 840 8258 dublinnortheast@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE DUBLIN NORTH
81 Main Street, Applewood Village, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 R590 (01) 840 8222 fax (074) 940 9258 dublinnorth@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE DONEGAL & LEITRIM
Academy Court, 21 St Oliver Plunkett Rd, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 EET3 (074) 912 9562
Fax (074)912 9539 donegal@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE CORK CITY AND SUBURBS (SOUTH LEE)
VHI House, 70 South Mall, Cork, T12 TH7V (021) 427 9116 cork@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE NORTH CORK (NORTH LEE)
10.1 Market Square, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 KTF1 022 42567 northcork@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE CLARE
7 Market Place, Summerhill, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 NHE1 (065) 686 8222
fax (065) 686 8220 clare@bluebirdcare.ie
BLUEBIRD CARE CARLOW, KILKENNY & WATERFORD
Callan Road, Kilkenny, R95CV99 (056) 778 9952 ckw@bluebirdcare.ie
Notes
Please quote BX AI 24
There may come a time in your life when you, your spouse or partner, need additional care. A Lifetime Loan from Spry Finance, secured against your house could help you to keep enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to build. If you’d like to know a little more, one of our team members will come to your house to talk you through everything.
To set up your meeting call today on 01 5822 580 or visit
BECAUSE LIFE NEVER GETS OLD
Warning: While no interest is payable during the period of the mortgage, the interest is compound on a monthly basis and is payable in full in circumstances such as death, permanent vacation of, or sale of, the property.
Warning: Purchasing this product may negatively impact on your ability to fund future needs.