MINISTER of State Kathleen Lynch has officially opened two houses that will provide dementia care to people with intellectual disability at St Josephs, the Clonsilla campus of the Daughters of Charity.
The Willow View and Meadow View houses will host innovative programming approaches that are person-centred and supportive of clients’ strengths rather than just responding to their needs.
The Daughters of Charity Disability Support Service received the 2014 Specialist Care Centre of the Year and Building Project of the Year at the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards for Willow View and Meadow View.
Minister Lynch said the houses showed Ireland was leading the way in demonstrating how high quality environmental design is responsive to the need in providing services for the intellectualy disabled.
“These residences, which represent national and international best care practice and exemplary environmental design, will serve as a model for all dementia care initiatives in Ireland,
? she continued.
“They are not just about new construction and interior design, they also include innovative programming approaches and the work here for people with an intellectual disability has enormous potential to influence the strategies that will be considered and implemented for all persons with dementia.
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Trinity College is working with the Daughters of Charity to help ensure ground-breaking research gets translated and implemented as practices at Willow View and Meadow View.
Professor Mary McCarron said the houses were about offering individuals with an intellectual disability and dementia choices, excellence in care and innovation in environmental supports.
“I am so pleased to be part of implementing the realisation of what we know from research to be the most evidence-based approaches to care but I am also thrilled to have helped ensure Willow View and Meadow View House is genuinely a people’s home,
? she added.
“The design promotes meaningful opportunities for communication, yet facilitates personal space and personal enjoyment. The building is welcoming to family and community, provides dignity at end of life, and expresses care for staff.
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One family member expressed her delight and satisfaction at services provided at Willow View and Meadow View.
“I had sleepless nights at the thought of my sister moving into care, nightmares at the thought of the move, how wrong I was,
? the family member said.
“I could never have imagined that there was a place like this, it’s like coming into a new world. I know she is so safe, so happy, so well cared for, it’s a beautiful home, the staff are wonderful. The last day I was here she was cooking rice crispy buns. It’s just a dream come through.
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