Caring in the Home Course Mass & Presentation of Certificates, Newcastle West, Thursday 25th June 2009

Congratulations to the 23 Family Carers who have just completed a 12 week “Caring in the Home Course”. They were presented with their Certificates on Thursday night by Peter, Area Manager for the Elderly/ H.S.E   Mass was read by Fr. Pat Bluett. The night was a great success with teas and refreshments laid on by St Ita’s Catering Staff.

Over the course of the 12 weeks the family carers have got to know each other and share their experiences on caring, proving how invaluable the social side of the Courses are. They are now encouraged to join the very successful West Limerick Caring for Carers Support Group, Majella being at hand to meet and greet them.

Caring for Carers wish to sincerely thank everyone who participated or helped in any way over the last 12 weeks namely ,  Area Manager for the Elderly/H.S.E, Peter;  Fr. Pat Bluett;  A/Director of Nursing Maura, Margaret and the Staff at St. Ita’s Hospital; all the course speakers; course co-ordinators Renee, Mary and Margaret. A special word of thanks to Simon (husband of one of the carers) who was our photographer on the night. See pictures below.

See a Slideshow of the Photos from the Presentations  Here 

See the Photos  HERE

Saturday 20th June 2009 -Safe Handling Course, St Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West – Co. Limerick

Last Saturday -  20th June 2009 a group of 12 carers successfully completed a Safe Handling Course at St Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West.

  Caring for Carers Limerick Branch wish to congratulate the 12 participants who were awarded Safe Handling Certificates. Thanks to Mary Burke and the  staff at St. Ita’s Hospital who kindly facilitaed the course.

Limerick Celebrate the National Carers Week 2009

To See More Photos from the National Carers Week

Please See The Slideshow of  Photos  Here

Or the Flickr Link   Here

National Carers Week Day 5 Friday12th June 2009 Indian Head Massage by Tracy O’Donoghue

Indian Head Massage

What a fitting end to the week but a little relaxation therapy. Tracy O’Donoghue- Physical Therapist & Reflexogist from The Body Tree Centre -Castlemungret , Mungret, Co Limerick -086 2684575  kindly offered her services to give our carers an Indian Head Massage. The scene was set with relaxing music and in turn the carers availed of The Indian Head Massage. It was a truly relaxing experience enjoyed by all. In fact such was the demand that  a little group session was put in place where Tracy trained the carers to give each other a massage. This was good fun and a great skill to learn.

Once again the carers never fail to show their generosity with all their cakes and tarts. Thankyou to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the week. A special Thankyou to Seán Ryan for all his help with the photos.

Limerick Profile – Renee Geary, Development Officer, Limerick Caring For Carers

Limerick Profile – Renee Geary, Development Officer, Limerick Caring For Carers.

Courtesy of  the Limerick Independent

http://www.limerickindependent.com/limerick-profile/limerick-profile/limerick-profile-%11-renee-geary,-development-officer,-limerick-caring-for-carers/

FROM June 8 to 12, Caring for Carers Limerick will run a series of fun events to mark National Carers Week- a welcome respite for local carers according to Development Officer, Renee Geary.
   Events such as a poetry reading, hair/beauty demonstration, music and dance will take take place at the organisation’s drop in centre at 1 John Street.
   Renee-herself a carer for over 20 years-got involved with Caring for Carers when she did a ‘Caring in the home’ course in 2001.
   “From there, Noel Power and myself set up a support group. We started with five people and now we have up to 50 members. There are three other support around the county-in Newcastle West, Cappamore and Hospital. When my caring role finished, I did more work with the organisation and I was later offered a post,” she explained.
   “It was a huge learning curve. I’m a qualified nurse but I never worked in the area. Everyone was very supportive and we moved into our centre in 2003. The Caring for Carers centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. We run around four ‘Caring in the home’ courses a year; eight ‘Safe handling’ courses and a range of others.”
   She added that the organisation “offers relief to people doing courses; 23 carers are doing one in Newcastle West at the moment”.
   “Caring can be a very isolated and stressful job. You lose friends and lose touch with things going on. No-one signs up for it and often something happens suddenly and you just find yourself as a full-time carer. Even with family support, the role is often left to one or two people. People are often depending on neighbours to call in,” she explained.
   “There are also many different types of carers-some caring for a parent and others for a spouse or a child. The people may be disabled or have suffered a brain injury; every case is different and challenging. There are so many forms of grief and carers often find themselves grieving for the life they could have had or they get upset or angry.”
   The centre provides counselling and a social outlet as well as support and information.
   “Sometimes people just want a chat. All the staff have experience of caring. We understand and can listen confidentially. With the support groups, you can get practical advice as well as get in contact with other carers. We have two nurses-Mary Burke and Margaret Gilmartin-who do home visits. We also have two secretaries-Mary Delap and Patricia McMahon. We have a brilliant team. We also run outings, such as to the recent carers’ conference and in the summer, we run ‘Mystery Tours’ and other events.”
   Renee said that cutbacks are starting to bite but Caring for Carers is “very grateful for the HSE funding but there is less for things like relieving carers in the home”.
   “Everyone is hoping that supplements like carers’ allowance and the respite grants will not be cut. As it stands they are more a recognition than a wage. The Government want people to keep the elderly at home because it saves the State but without carers, more older people will end up on trollies in A&E and the like. On a positive note, some people who are not working are volunteering.”
   The organisation was founded in 2000- set up by founder members such as Mary Hanley, Anna Casey and Sr Damien.

It has strong links with Caring for Carers Ireland in Clare and has a network of dedicated volunteers and benefactors.
   “We have over 400 carers on our register but there are a lot out there that we don’t know about. I urge them to get in touch-to get advice of any type or just to talk. Caring is tough but the job satisfaction, for us and for carers themselves, is superb.”
   For more information, call 061-469484 or see www.limerickcaringforcarers.wordpress.com.
   

   Name: Renee Geary
   Occupation: Development Officer, Limerick Caring for Carers.
   Location: 1 John Street.
   Favourite thing about Limerick: I love the history of Limerick.
   Worst thing about Limerick: There’s nothing I dislike about it.

Written by Rachael Finucane   

http://www.limerickindependent.com/

National Carers Week, Day 4 Thursday 11th June 2009

Tea & Chat

We had a lovely relaxing morning today.  The Carers dropped in all morning bringing lovely cakes and biscuits. It was great to have a relaxing chat with all the Carers. We recited a few poems and exchanged a few stories.  It was great to have a little get together. One of the poems recited was composed by Tricia’s daughter -Ciara .  It goes as follows:

Summer

I woke up this morning,

Went out for fresh air,

I felt the sun in my face

And the wind in my hair.

 

I rode my bike

Up and down the hill,

I saw a wasp

So I stood very still.

 

He stung me hard

So I ran away,

I still have the mark

To this very day.

 

The sun is blazing,

The sky is blue,

I like the summer,

How about you.

                                 By Ciara McMahon aged 10 (composed 6 June 2009)

Thankyou  Ciara – Your poem is fantastic.

National Carers Week, Day 3 Wednesday 10th June 2009- Music & Dancing

Music with Harry Dancing by Evelyn & Sasha

We are really getting in the swing of things with our Carers Week. This was due in no small part to Harry on the accordion providing us with some lovely tunes for the whole of the morning. Evelyn and Sasha from the Brazen Head Hair and Beauty Salon, here in John’s St called in and started us off with their Irish Dancing. Everyone was soon in dancing mood making the morning great fun.

Our carers never fail to show their kindness and generosity with their endless supply of cakes and tarts and other goodies – very gratefully received. They went down very nicely with a ready supply of teas and coffee. A big thank you to Anna, Josephine and Judith’s Mam for the delicious homemade baking. Your efforts did not go unnoticed ladies.

National Carers Week Day 2 Tuesday 9th June 2009- Hair & Beauty Demonstration- Evelyn & Sasha

Hair and Beauty Treatments

Today started with a lovely display of Avon Beauty Products which our carers could try out at their leisure. There were also some lovely bags on display where any money raised will be donated to Breast Cancer.

Our neighbours here in John’s Street, Limerick, Evelyn and Sasha from The Brazen Head Hair and Beauty Salon 061 412271, called in to support our Carers Week. Evelyn did a lovely hair cut for one of our carers – a definite unexpected surprise. Sasha was very busy doing facials for a couple of our carers. The carers were delighted with the pampering sessions.

One of our Carers, Chris kindly donated a couple of hanging baskets which were raffled. Mary and Sean -the lucky winners.

A big thank you to Marie for bringing in about 50 Holy Candles which the carers received when they were going home. Thanks again Marie – a very kind gesture.

National Carers Week Day 1 Monday 8th June 2009- Poetry Reading by Joan Cregan; Introductory yoga by Breeda Ryan

Today is the first day of National  Carers Week.  We got off to a flying start when Joan Cregan came in to read a selection of poems she composed herself. All the carers attending were highly amused at Joan’s witty anecdotes, composed at very short notice!

A  Selection of verses  by Joan Cregan

The Irish Cuppa

The Irish Cuppa

You’ll have a tea or coffee?

Some apple tart or bun

Ah do,  it’s made already

You won’t . A sandwich then

                Have one.

Are you sure you aren’t hungry?

I could make a little lunch

It’s no trouble, really

We could call it brunch.

 

And how are all the family ?

Are you sure about the tea

It really is delicious

There’s far too much for me

 

I heard you sprained your ankle

Must be painful, you look great

How about a coffee then

There are biscuits on the plate.

 

I appreciate your visit

It’s a pity you can’t stay

I’ll be getting dinner ready soon

It’s egg and chips today.

 

 

A Warm Welcome

I’m going to the office

To collect my salary

I’ll only be ten minutes

Maybe have a cup of tea

But then we get to chatting

And time flies by so fast

Before we even notice

An hour or more has passed

 

It really lifts my spirit

When I visit once a week

To see those smiling faces

Really is a treat

 

Ye’re truly are the carers

Of all of us who care

Not just for one another

   But for everyone out there

 

 

Relaxation Exercises

 

No sooner had Joan finished when we were graced with the presence of Breeda Ryan from Rainmaker Studio. Breeda had all the carers sitting on chairs in a circle where she introduced us to light yoga exercises. These were set to music and were great fun with batons twirling and arms and legs moving to the rhythms!!  True to form Joan was on hand to compose a little ditty that best sums up events.

 

Yoga with Breeda

Today we did some yoga

With Breeda in from Clare

We tightened up our buttocks

And stretched our pubic hair

Our hips and legs rotated

As we smiled from ear to ear

Feet planted firmly on the floor

Our brains put into gear

Tap  Slap Click Coordination

Where has my rhythm gone

To the run great salutation

Now Clench Release and turn!

Carers Week 2009 – June 8th – 14th

The dates for Carers Week has now been confirmed. After the great success of Carers Week 2008, we will be hosting something similar this year at our office at 1 John’s Street, Limerick. If any carer has any ideas for the week starting Monday 8th June running until Friday 12th, please get in touch and let us know. We would be grateful for any new ideas.

So far we are thinking along the line of having a pampering morning – this would entail some form of relaxation, also beauty treatments, flower arranging, performing arts, art display, C.P.R demonstration, maybe music and Irish dancing.

For further enquiries please contact, Caring for Carers, I John’s St, Limerick

phone: 061 469484

email; caringforcarerslimerick@eircom.net