Caru Regional Network Events 2024
That's a Wrap until 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the incredible learning and engagement from all nursing homes that have participated in the Caru Regional Network Events.
The Dublin Network event took place on the 17th of October in the LinkedIn offices in Dublin 2. Over 60 people from CHO 6, 7 and 9 attended on the morning and it was wonderful to see so many of our workshop trained Caru Leads there!
We started the day with an energiser session from Siel Bleu to get everyone up and moving. Joe Viloria beat the traffic and made it just in time to deliver his presentation on Dementia on End-of-Life Care, which sparked a lively Q&A session afterwards.
As we broke for tea and coffee, participants had a chance to speak to the organisations at their stands. Thank you so much to Engaging Dementia, Siel Bleu, Age Action, Mobile Med, Leopardstown Hospital Caru Group and our colleagues from IHF for attending and sharing their knowledge and resources!
During this break participants were asked to respond to a live survey
“What is your best piece of advice for looking after a resident at end of life?”
Always try to stay person-centred, focus on their interests and preferences.
Always remember end of life care is not only for the resident but also for the family members.
Know the person if they are someone that was always up for the craic still have it with them
Be kind and compassionate.
Be patient; Be considerate; Empathy is very essential but is not the only way to help the situation; Be truthful and serious when you talk to the dying resident because it definitely help him/her feel valued despite the situation.
A simple smile goes a long way. For them just to know you are there for them.
Take time to take a breath before you care for them and be fully present. Then on leaving the room despite pressures give yourself time to take a breath for yourself.
The most popular part of the morning was the Education Snacking section, which broke the room into eight groups. Each group heard from four experts in their area; H.E.A.R.T.S Holistic Therapy, Engaging Dementia, Advance Care Planning, and Transfers Between Nursing Home and Acute Hospitals. Thank you to all our Education Snackers who spoke for a full hour and led such interesting and absorbing sessions with the groups.
The morning finished with Dr Vicky Cooper Lunt who spoke to us about stress first aid and self-care. Her presentation concluded with two mindful visualisation exercises that gave everyone space to check in with themselves before heading out.
The CHO 3 Caru Network event was held on Tuesday the 8th of October 2024 in the Castletroy Hotel Limerick with eighty-six participants in attendance.
It was a platform for engagement with keynote speakers like Jennifer Moran Stritch from TUS Shannon Limerick. Jennifer spoke about the simplicity of a “ham sandwich” in the context of how it can generate conversations with residents and families in nursing homes about death and dying.
Amanda Clifford, Psychotherapist Limerick emphasised the importance of self-care for healthcare workers to maintain their physical, emotional and psychological well-being to allow for recharge and be able to function at “your very best”.
The information snacking involved six speakers from various disciplines: Kim Tully, Engaging dementia, Joann Begley, “For after I’m gone” booklet, Michael Cronin, Patient Service Engagement Service User, and Fiona Rigney Quality Risk and Patient Safety Advisor, HSE, informed participants about the new ADMA Act, Una Holland, Mobile Med, and Tracy Donoghue, (The Body Tree Limerick) Touch Therapy.
The insights shared by our speakers provided immense learning opportunities, sparking new ideas and fostering a deeper understanding about the Caru Programme.
In CHO3 the final Caru Regional Network of the year took place in Oriel House Hotel on December 3rd.
With a nice Christmas vibe, our attendees were treated to great talks from Dr Karie Dennehy from Marymount Hospice and Orla Coleman from St. Luke’s Home. With a great array of services and charities attending to showcase their supports for nursing homes in Cork and beyond.
If you would like to take part in the Caru Programme or find out more info about our Regional Networking Events for 2025, keep an eye on our Events Page, or contact the Regional Lead for your CHO.
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