Pilot initiative for nursing homes launched in Boyle
Pictured at the launch of a Community Linkage Project, a new initiative bringing community supports to women in nursing homes, are Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O'Donnell with Eileen Cox, resident, Plunkett Community Nursing Unit, Boyle holding her medal from the President for her 100th birthday. Eileen recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Pic: Ivan Keany
A new pilot initiative that will bring volunteer ‘befrienders’ and other community-based supports to women living in long-term residential care in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim has been launched in Boyle.
The Community Linkage Project – managed by Age Friendly Ireland and funded by the Women’s Health Fund in the Department of Health – will benefit 200 nursing home residents over the next 18 months, with plans for it to be rolled out nationwide.
The pilot programme was launched at the Plunkett Community Nursing Unit in Boyle by the Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell.
The supports that will form this initiative include tailored personal plans for nursing home residents, offering activities to enhance physical and mental health, creative and cultural engagement, and better access to information and local supports. It aims to close the gap in community-based services typically unavailable to residents, creating new social, leisure, and educational opportunities for older women in nursing homes.
Local volunteers, including members of older people’s councils and schools, will be recruited to visit the nursing home residents to help address loneliness.
It is designed to help older people access a broad array of existing supports and activities in their community.
Speaking on a recent visit to the Plunkett Community Nursing Unit, Boyle, Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell explained that “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 create a bridge 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 into 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," said the Minister.
