June 15, 2009
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.
June 14, 2009
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
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
June 12, 2009
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.
June 11, 2009
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.
June 10, 2009
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.
June 9, 2009
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!
April 29, 2009
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
April 29, 2009
Pillow Talk
The “Pillow Talk Morning” yesterday morning was a great success. We would like to say a big Thankyou to Noel, Vanessa and Amanda from Kellett Interiors for making this happen. Their display of Sheet Sets, Duvet Sets, Throws and cushions was presented to us in a friendly and humorous way. Our carers enjoyed rooting through the stock in search of a bargain. The quality of the bedding was excellent and the demand for pillows was second to none.
This was a great chance for the carers to meet up over tea and biscuits. The get-together being the most important part of the morning. We would like to thank all the carers who called in and supported this event in any way.
April 21, 2009
Tuesday 28th April 2009 – Pillow Talk
Carers, you are all invited to attend our office, 1 John’s, St Limerick for a “Pillow Talk Morning”. There will be a display of sheet sets, duvet sets, pillows, throws and cushions. This is a great chance for our carers to have a little get-together over tea or coffee in relaxed surroundings. Bring along friends and neighbours. All welcome!
Time: 11 am to 2 pm - Tuesday 28th April
Location: Caring for Carers, 1 John’s St, Limerick
Phone: 061 469484
