SPECIAL FEATURE: Minister lauded as community care supporter

HEALTH Minister James Reilly joked “not all cuts are painful” before the cut the ribbon to unveil the new dementia unit at the Clarecastle District Day Centre on Monday.

Minister Reilly said it was a great honour to perform the official unveiling of the Fergus Wing, which was built as a result of great work by the local committee.

“Keeping people independent at home for as long as possible makes ethical, morally and financial sense,” he said.

Clarecastle District Day Centre chairman, Heber McMahon said it was appropriate that Minister Reilly should perform the official opening as he has long been a supporter of community care.

Mr McMahon said the minister supported the centre’s ethos of helping people live in their own community with all the necessary supports that could be provided locally.

The centre, which covers a 10-mile radius from Clarecastle operates from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and providing day care for about 50 people a day.

The Clarecastle and District Daycare Centre opened in 1999 and the model of care provided is one that has proven hugely successful. This model has been replicated by many other voluntary organisations around the country.

The experience of the voluntary board signalled that there was a lack of daycare services for the elderly suffering from dementia within the community.

In essence, what was needed was a person centred care model for people suffering from dementia in a warm, welcoming and safe environment whilst also providing support and stimulation, which has now been provided for between 10 to 12 people five days a week in the new Fergus Wing.

Mayor of Clare Pat Daly said it was a great occasion for Clarecastle Day Centre, which had been waiting many years for this day.

Praising Mary Morrissey and her committee for their Trojan work, he hoped the HSE would come on board to provide even more funding on a 100% basis.