Recent Developments and Successes
Caru Meets with Minister for Older Persons, Kieran O'Donnell
Marymount Care Centre, one of the founding members of Céile Care—a nationwide network of almost 40 family-owned and operated nursing homes—is a proud and active participant in the Caru Programme. Marymount was pleased to welcome Minister for Older Persons, Kieran O’Donnell, to highlight the longstanding role that family-operated homes play within their communities and the critical importance of greater integration across the older persons care system. Caru is one example of how this collaborative approach to integration is already making a positive impact on the lived experience of residents.
Céile Care has built a strong and meaningful partnership with Caru, adopting the Caru Programme as a key initiative to support staff development in palliative, end-of-life, and bereavement care. This commitment enhances quality of life for residents, supports a dignified end-of-life experience, and eases the bereavement journey for families.
Céile Care has identified Caru as a strategic priority in fostering a strong, compassionate culture of care across its network. This growing partnership was further reflected in Caru’s participation in Céile Care’s recent regional meetings and presentation at their recent education conference in Kilkenny, Positive Ageing – Supporting and Serving Communities.
We look forward to continuing this close collaboration with Céile Care as we work together to support excellence in care.
Recognising the Power of Conversations: Caru Virtual Network at Brookhaven
Regional Lead, Janet Tobin-Martin, was delighted to join Adele, Director of Nursing at Brookhaven Nursing Home, for their Caru Virtual Network event on 11th September, held as part of Palliative Care Week.
The session focused on the vital topic of Advanced Care Planning (ACP). Residents, families, and staff gathered to watch the event, creating a shared space for reflection, discussion, and questions.
These conversations are a key step in helping to demystify advanced care planning and support more open, meaningful dialogue about care preferences.
A warm thank you is also extended to Marie Hayden, CNS NH Outreach, who attended the afternoon session and contributed thoughtfully to conversations both before and after the event.
Not forgetting a very special guest – Molly, Brookhaven’s resident pet, who brought joy and comfort to all those present!
Advance Care Planning Presentations at Greystones Nursing Home
Greystones Nursing Home featured advance care planning as part of their Dementia Cafe series. Regional Lead, Mary Ferns delivered a presentation and staff, family members, and residents attended. They explored how families and staff can support discussions about advance care planning with compassion, clarity, and confidence.
Bridging the Gap and Addressing Key Insights from the National End of Life Survey
Regional Lead, Janet Tobin-Martin, was thrilled to support our colleagues on the Hospice Friendly Hospitals team, by participating in their discussion panel with CNS NH Outreach Marie Hayden, and Margaret Ryan, End-of-Life Coordinator, St Lukes Hospital Kilkenny.
The session explored how the findings of the National End-of-Life Survey (NELS) have stimulated engagement and communication among healthcare professionals, helping bridge gaps between healthcare settings and addressing key insights from the survey.