2020 - 2021
IRD DUHALLOW | PROGRESS REPORT
Saoi Network - Duhallow Actively Retired Groups The Saoi Network consists of 21 active retirement groups spread throughout the Duhallow region. The network concentrates its efforts on improving the quality of life of older people in the region through increased service provision and supports targeting older people as well as ensuring that people have social outlets and activities to meet others. However, COVID has been problematic, as with senior citizens being amongst the most medically vulnerable many of the groups have not had the opportunity to reconvene since March 2020. With the support of SICAP a series of articles on staying active for seniors was published in the Discover Duhallow magazine, as it was found that people were missing their weekly exercises and activities that were held at their active retirement club.
fulfilment; in a progressively isolated and digitally betrothed world which has been further exasperated by COVID-19, we need real connections now more than ever. Our connections to one another are what bind us together, yet for older people and adults with disabilities these connections disappear. As a society we often do not rise to the challenge of helping older adults as best we can, frequently their contributions and Monica Kennedy who volunteers her time perspectives are not valued anymore. to the Friendly Phonecall Service. Monica Loneliness and social isolation are two has said the people she calls are “lovely significant health outcomes among people to chat with and they so appreciate the call which makes it so older adults and those with worthwhile.” disabilities. Loneliness has a major impact on our health and well-being, especially in older adults. Loneliness can not only make people feel sad and isolated but it can lead to medical issues such as depression, heart disease and cognitive decline which can all lead to premature death. IRD Duhallow’s Friendly Phone Call Service has been in operation for 10 years and provides companionship to people over the phone. It offers confidentiality and total respect for where the person is at in a nonjudgemental manner. The hours are flexible and people can get as many phone calls in the week as they need. The Friendly Phone Call Service can act as an introduction to IRD Duhallow and as time goes on people often avail of other services such as the Laundry, Meals on Wheels or Revamp. Bridget Keating, RSS, and the team of volunteers under the Community Services Team Leader Helen O’Sullivan, look forward to making the calls each week and listening to peoples stories and chat. It is a way for the people they are calling to take their mind off the pandemic and other stressful daily tasks they may be facing.
Tureencahill Active Retired kept busy during lockdowns by knitting Cannula Sleeves for people suffering from Dementia.
Some groups have managed to successfully take the plunge into the online world of zoom and Microsoft teams. Tir na nOg club in Kilbrin has successfully delivered online Occupational Therapy, Art and Yoga classes, whilst the Tureencahill club has resumed their singing online through zoom along with Art classes and flower arranging demonstrations.
Phillipa Jane Farley from Pro Privacy delivered a seminar on GDPR for Community Organisations in conjunction with members of the Saoi Network.
Understanding GDPR for Community Organisations With the support of the HSE, the Saoi Network delivered a seminar on GDPR with Philipa Jane Farley of Pro Privacy. GDPR is a frightening topic for most community organisations and this seminar aimed to demystify what a community organisation can and cannot do within the confines of data protection legislation.
Senior Alert Scheme (SAS) The Senior Alert Scheme funds the provision of socially monitored alarms to householders over 66 years of age and IRD Duhallow are one of a number of registered with Pobal to deliver this scheme. Qualifying householders receive a free alarm and pendant which can be worn around the wrist or neck. When pressed it connects wirelessly to a base unit which is linked to your landline or mobile phone. This base unit immediately sends a call to a 24-hour monitoring centre. The equipment is supplied and installed free of charge along with one year’s free monitoring. After one year, the householder must pay the monitoring fee ranging from €65 to €137. In 2020, over 181 applications were approved by Pobal and the alarms were installed by Tunstall Emergency Response. We continue to promote this service through the SAOI Network, Duhallow Revamp, Duhallow Community Laundry, DCFS and the Community Care group.
Friendly Phone Call Service Humans are innately social beings; we are cognitively, biologically, physically and spiritually made to belong. The relationships we have with others is directly linked to happiness and
Mayor of Kerry Cllr Fionnan Fitzgerald, with Minister of Community Development Joe O’Brien, Eugene O’Connell and IRD Duhallow’s Nollaig Murphy launching Eugene’s book ‘The Man Who Died Twice – Unearthing Eoghan Rua,’ which was supported by the Saoi Network and funded by SICAP.
Through the friendly phone call service, a gap was identified as people expressed their difficulties getting to and from their GP for a vaccine and a transport service was commenced. Pictured here is Edna Hanley and Tom Cambridge of IRD Duhallow on the way to a vaccine clinic.
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