President McAleese formally opens Cherryfields Housing-with-Care Facility
The President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened Cherryfields, Fold Ireland's first Housing-with-Care scheme in the Republic of Ireland and the HSE Primary Care Team Centre on at Hartstown, Dublin 15, on Thursday 26th October 2006.
This innovative project is the culmination of a partnership between Fold Housing Association Ireland, Fingal County Council and the HSE Local Area Health Office, North West Dublin.
Cherryfields amalgamates specialised care and support with independent living in a social housing scheme and is the first of its kind to incorporate SMART technology, i.e. an assistive technology programme backed up by a 24 hour TeleCare call centre that provides a real sense of security and confidence for people living on their own.
The “Housing-with-Care” model of accommodation ensures that older people and people with dementia are given the opportunity to live independent lives within a safe, secure, supportive and caring environment.
Residents at Cherryfields live in self-contained units where they can be assisted by the most advanced non-obtrusive care technology available. They are treated with respect and understanding and each individual receives a personalised structured care plan, devised and implemented by FOLD Ireland’s highly trained care staff.
On opening the facility President Mary McAleese said:
“This is a tremendous facility which will hugely improve the quality of life for the elderly and those suffering from dementia in the Blanchardstown area. It is a particularly welcome initiative given the partnership and co-operation between organisations North and South of the border in the development of such a vital community service”
FOLD Ireland’s philosophy of promoting independence enables many people who are old, frail and with mental/physical health problems to maintain a sense of individuality, worth and dignity. This provides peace of mind for their families and carers.
The FOLD housing-with-care schemes are widely recognised as "Centres of Excellence”. They have led the way for the creation of similar facilities by other housing providers throughout Europe.
John McLean Chief Executive of Fold Housing Association said:
“We are very proud to be working with our partners at this state of the art housing and care facility. Cherryfields combines the best available care and support services with Fold’s award winning TeleCare system residents can enjoy greater independence and peace of mind. We are proud to have partnered with the HSE and Fingal County Council on this landmark scheme. Cherryfields provides apartments with sleeping and living accommodation for people to live independently but with care and support”.
Alan Carthy, Director of Housing with Fingal County Council said:
"This is the start of what Fingal County Council hopes will be a highly productive long term relationship with FOLD and the HSE in providing for the needs of our elderly residents"
Aidan Browne, National Director Primary Community and Continuing Care, Health Service Executive said: "this unique development will mean integrated provision of primary and residential services. It will provide alternatives to admission or prolonged stay in the acute hospitals and a place of safety for those with dementia along with other community based services such as home support/dome care packages. The HSE look forward to a continued working relationship with Fold and Fingal County Council."
Day Care services
FOLD Ireland provides Day-Care services for frail older people and older people diagnosed with dementia who live in the local community, including those with intellectual disabilities.
Day-care represents a vital link between local people living on their own or being cared for at home, and the wider community.
Day-care provides an opportunity for social interaction, stimulation and access to a broad range of activities, social events and hands-on care.
Our team of dedicated, compassionate and inspirational staff not only represent a source of care and joy for clients but also offer families and carers a valuable source of support and respite from caring. The development at Cherryfields provides:
- 27 Flats for older people suffering from Dementia
- 29 Flats for frail older people
- A day care centre for frail older people
- A day care centre for people suffering from dementia
- 3 bungalows for couples
In addition the site will accommodate a Primary Care Team Centre which will be the responsibility of the HSE local health office. The Care Services in the Housing-with-Care Scheme and the Day Care Services will be fully funded by the HSE.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Fold Housing Association, Public Relations - Elaine Calderwood
Tel: 048 90397102
Email:
elainec@foldgroup.co.uk
Fold IRELAND - Operations Manager - Bronagh D’Arcy
Tel: 086 8381170
Email:
Bronagh.Darcy@foldgroup.co.uk
Health Services Executive (HSE) Dublin North East - Press Officer - Katherine Cregan
Tel: 046 9280587 Mobile: 087 3801682
Email:
Katherine.Cregan@maile.hse.ie
Fingal County Council - Communications Officer - Florence White
Tel: 087 4141580
Fingal County Council - Communications Assistant - Edel Byrne
Tel: 087 6322761
