A new initiative will bring volunteer befrienders and other community-based supports to women living in long-term residential care in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim. This initiative will benefit 200 nursing home residents over an 18 month period.
The Community Linkage Project is managed by Age Friendly Ireland and funded by the Women’s Health Fund in the Department of Health.
The Plunkett Community Nursing Home in Boyle is one of the Nursing Homes participating in the initiative and it was visited recently by Minister of State for Older People Kieran O’Donnell.
Speaking during his visit, Minister O’Donnell, commented on the innovative approach: “This project will help nursing home residents to access a broad array of existing supports and activities in the community. By providing choices to residents that reflect their interests and preferences, as well as bringing volunteers into the nursing home setting, the project will help enhance connection between residential care and community living. This will enrich the lives of residents in nursing homes and give both public services and community groups greater links with nursing home settings. By introducing community-based services, the initiative aims to improve the quality of life and health and wellbeing outcomes for women living in nursing homes.”
Participating residents will have tailored personal plans, offering them a range of activities and supports. Services will include activities to boost physical and mental health, opportunities for creative and cultural engagement, and improved access to information and local supports. The Community Linkage Project will create new opportunities for older women in nursing homes to take part in social, leisure or education opportunities.
In addition to arranging supports for social and leisure interests, the Project Co-ordinator will also recruit local volunteers to visit the nursing home residents. Volunteers will be recruited from among Older People’s Councils as well as intergenerational volunteering through local schools.
The concept of reaching out to older people in residential care was promoted by Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador Paddy Joe Burke: “I am honoured to be associated with this new project. We have an opportunity to go into nursing homes, to meet people and say hello. I believe that interaction is the best form of medicine. It is a privilege to sit and spend time with an older person. Age Friendly Ireland is a wonderful organisation, and this project will make a big difference for older people in nursing homes, helping them to feel more connected with their neighbours and the wider community around the nursing home.”
Photographed at the launch of the Community Linkage Project in the Plunkett Community Nursing Unit in Boyle are Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell with residents of Plunkett Community Nursing Unit including 101 year old Eileen; Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice; Roscommon County Council staff, and Age Friendly Ireland staff. Pic: Ivan Keaney
