Services for Older People and other Vulnerable Adults in the Community

Current Work . . .

Our Community Partnership identified Services for Older people as a priority in 2000. We have been working since then with the HSE Community Work Dept., who have been extraordinarily encouraging, Support from Udarás na Gaeltachta for particular events has been very welcome.
Our main partners in the development of services for Older People and other vulnerable adults have been the local Community & Voluntary Sector namely:-

Comhlacht Tithe agus Forbairt an tSulan Teo. - Social Housing Group
Comhlacht Tithe Uibh Laoire - Social Housing Group
Pobal ar Aire – Community Alert, in conjunction with local Garda Siochana

These voluntary groups have been working on the ground for many years, and have achieved results that many well funded statutory agencies would be proud of. The work with the above partners has developed over the years, and now comprises 19 part-time workers, with Seamas de Róiste as a full-time dedicated manager, through a variety of programs (Community Services Program, Dormant Accounts Fund, Rural Social Scheme) under the Dept. of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, administered by Pobal.
The services currently being provided have made a huge difference to the people using the services, many of whomwould not be able to remain in their own homes without this support.

Meal Service

4 days / week in Ionad Lae Cois Cille
2 days/week in Ionad Lae Cuan Barra

As well as the Meal Service in the Ionad Lae, over the winter of 2008, a program called ‘Béile sa Bhaile’ has been put in place for the winter months. Meals are delivered to clients who might have difficulty getting out and about.

Transport program

LUAS available 5-6 days per week
3,842 passenger journeys in 2008
BUS DEARG available 2-3 days per week
702 passenger journeys in 2008

Both buses are fully accessible for wheelchair users and those who walk with difficulty.
Both are also manned by Drivers and Travel Assistants who help people on and off,
assist with shopping, etc.

Social and Health

Ancillary health related services such as Chiropody, Massage, Reflexology, etc.

Social Events and Activities

A variety of weekly and monthly activities including :-
Scoraiocht, Bingo, Art Classes, Talks,
Computer Classes, Hairdressing, Outings, etc.

“Focal i’d Chluas”

Bi-lingual Newsletter – circulated monthly to 280+ recipients. .

Pobal ar Aire

Home visits to check/install Personal Alarms, Smoke alarms, Security Chains, etc.

* Currently there are approx 250 multiple users of the services – March 2009