Corofin caregiver scoops national award

A COROFIN carer, who went beyond the call of duty looking after elderly patients in Galway, has scooped a prestigious national award.

Anne Murphy, was recently crowned as National Caregiver of the Year, beating off stiff competition from 16 other Home Instead Senior Care offices throughout the country.

She has been described as “extraordinary” and “inspirational” for other caregivers by her manager, Heather Gately, owner of Home Instead Senior Care, Galway.

Now in its seventh year, Home Instead’s National Caregiver of the Year Awards final, which was held in the Killashee House Hotel in Kildare gives deserved recognition to all the amazing Home Instead caregivers who more often than not go above and beyond the call of duty. This year was no exception.

Originally from Corofin, Anne started working with Home Instead Galway in June 2009 after having looked after elderly members of her family. 

Ms Gately said when Anne decided she would like to become a caregiver, she had no formal training in caring but she always felt she had “something” to offer people who might just want a little friendly companionship. She then went on to train in dementia and palliative care, Fetac Level 5 Practical Home Care Skills and occupational first aid.

Ms Gately said she is completely blown away by the truly exceptional caregivers Home Instead have caring for older people across the country.

“It takes a very special person to become a Home Instead caregiver and the difference our caregivers make to the lives of older people and their families is immeasurable.

“Anne has cared in a number of palliative care cases and given so many families peace, strength, love and encouragement at difficult times and at the same time, giving her clients the peace, dignity and care. With such a kind nature, Anne really offers something incredible to her clients and families.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Anne Murphy. She is such an extraordinary individual, a lady so deserving of such recognition. She embodies all we value at Home Instead  Senior Care. 

She is personal, trusted, professional with the most  heart-warming sense of humour. Her willingness to go above and beyond her duties as a caregiver is testament not only to her innate care-giving abilities but also to her character as quite simply an exceptional human being.”

“Everyone that knows Anne is humbled by her unassuming, understanding and kind nature. Anne cannot underestimate the difference she makes to the lives of those she cares for. Her positive spirit, pragmatic attitude and genuine compassion for others is quite simply an inspiration to us all,” she stressed.

Home Instead Senior Care caregivers are the people who help Home Instead to “change the face of ageing” by supporting day in, day out, its  mission is “to enhance the lives of older people, enabling them to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their homes for longer than otherwise possible”.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, contact 091 384160.