Myhomecare recently celebrated two of our amazing healthcare workers Marianna & Silvia on their nominations at the HCCI Home Care Awards, which took place recently in Dungarvan, Waterford.
HCCI was formed in 2012 to represent private home care providers who wished to benefit from peer to peer learning, to develop best practice, and to work together to advocate for and create the best possible home care landscape across the country. It is the national membership organisation for companies that provide a managed home care service in Ireland, uniting members who directly care for thousands of older and vulnerable people in their homes.
Silvia and Marianna explain what it means to work in care with Myhomecare:
Highlights From The Night
Myhomecare want to congratulate Silvia and Marianna on this fantastic accomplishment and wish them the best of luck on their career journeys.
Myhomecare provides the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place. There has always been a particular emphasis on upskilling and career progression within Myhomecare with exceptional ongoing training provided and further supported by Servisource’s Training department. Myhomecare have developed their strong training programmes into The Care Academy enveloping all the training frontline staff need to progress within their career. A comprehensive catalogue of training courses is available to support frontline staff in providing the highest quality of service, where they can train, develop and coach care workers throughout each stage of their careers.
If you aspire to work in care, Myhomecare can lead you on the way to a fulfilling career in healthcare.
What Happens if an Elderly Person Has No One to Care for Them?
As people grow older, their needs often change and they may rely on loved ones to help with the challenges that aging can bring. However, family or friends may not be available to provide support and what happens if an elderly person has no one to care for them? Without adequate assistance, a range of difficulties can occur, impacting health, safety, and quality of life. Homecare provides an option whereby the right care can be provided in the comfort of the home, designed for personal care needs, creating peace of mind.
Homecare with Myhomecare
• Each client has their own needs and requirements which is why we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. • Our tailor-made homecare services and packages cover a wide range of services from basic home help and befriending to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge. • Our carers enjoy their roles and remain working with us, so you have a familiar face who knows your specific needs and routines.
Contact Myhomecare today and see how it can benefit you and your loved one.
For elderly individuals, physical health concerns can increase without someone to monitor or assist them. They are more susceptible to illnesses, falls, and injuries, and medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis often require consistent management. Without someone to regularly check in, health conditions can go unnoticed until they become severe. A minor infection may go untreated and turn into a serious health risk. The risk of falls is also a major concern; an elderly person who falls without someone nearby may face hours or even days without help, resulting in critical complications.
Myhomecare’s Comfort Plan allows individuals to choose two pieces of Isaac Care assistive technologies as an introductory offer with expert advice from our team who are there to assist you with selecting the most appropriate technology for your loved one. This includes a Fall Alarm as well as 24/7 Call Centre Support. Find out more about Myhomecare’s collaboration with Isaac Care.
“I am delighted and more importantly my mother is over the moon with the care she receives, we would love to have Siobhan our Carer around more. I want to thank Myhomecare for a brilliant service”. Ann
“I have arthritis in my hands and as it has got worse I am unable to drive my car. With the help of Joan from www.myhomecare.ie I have been able to get around and continue my life as normal.” Margaret
Mental and Emotional Health Risks
Isolation poses severe risks for mental and emotional well-being. Loneliness is a common experience for elderly people without family or friends nearby. Without companionship or daily engagement, they may struggle with motivation, leading to poor self-care habits such as neglecting exercise, nutrition, or hygiene. Homecare can reduce these feelings of isolation and lend emotional support on a daily basis. Even a quick chat can make someone’s day when living alone.
Daily Life Challenges
In addition to health concerns, seniors without support often face practical daily challenges. Financial management, for instance, can become difficult for those who may no longer have the cognitive ability or awareness to handle bills or budgeting. Mobility is another concern. Many elderly individuals lose the ability to drive or walk long distances, which can limit their access to groceries or medical appointments. This is where homecare can help by assisting with running errands and daily household chores.
At Myhomecare, we provide a service to all individuals who may suffer with a disability whether it is physical, mental or emotional and have a range of homecare options available. No one should have to face the challenges of aging alone. Without proper support, elderly individuals are at greater risk of physical and mental health decline, financial exploitation, and a diminished quality of life. Taking proactive steps to offer the right care from the right people is something every individual deserves, regardless of family circumstances, allowing them to age with dignity and security.
Celebrating National Carers Week 2024 at Myhomecare
Carers Week is dedicated to recognizing and supporting the incredible work performed by carers.
This year, National Carers Week has joined forces with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, along with their Partner Organisations; The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Irish Cancer Society, Central Remedial Clinic, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, Disability Federation Ireland, Irish Hospice Foundation.
The theme for this year is #MakingCaringVisible, and in celebration of this, Myhomecare has chosen to put the spotlight on some of our exceptional carers, showcasing their dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those they care for.
Join Our Award-Winning Homecare Team Today
If you would like to join our award-winning homecare team or start your carer in caring contact us today!
I chose a career as a caregiver because I consider caring for people to be a beautiful mission, it makes me feel like I make a difference in people‘s lives.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?
I like working for Myhomecare because I can count on a team that is completely involved and committed to their work. I feel respected and valued.
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?
For those who want to work as a carer, I would say be responsible and kind to your clients, create bonds and treat them as you would want other people to treat your mother, brother or grandparents.
Courtney Flynn
Carers Name: Courtney Flynn Location: Dublin North East
Click on the video below to hear Courtney’s story
Lisa Brazil
Carers Name: Lisa Brazil Location: South of Ireland
Q. Why did you choose a career in care?
I decided to become a carer as I love working with older people. I find it very rewarding. Enabling people to stay in their own homes.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?
I love working with Myhomecare as we are treated very well by the company.
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?
I would encourage them as it is such a rewarding career. Working with the vulnerable in your community. Helping people in the hard time and the happy times.
I started caring for a family member who developed Alzheimer’s in their late 80’s and took up the role of being a fulltime carer for them.
I enjoyed helping a family member who was in need of assistance and it was really rewarding as I started to notice the impact my support had on their life.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?
The hours are flexible and the management team are always on the other end of the phone to help with any queries or for a simple chat.
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?
You would need to ask yourself if you are a patient, helpful, caring and a kind individual willing to make a difference to vulnerable people. Every day is different, but you finish your day knowing that you have made a difference to another person. It’s a rewarding job and that’s what I like about being a carer.
John Walsh
Carers Name: John Walsh Location: West of Ireland
Q. Why did you choose a career in care?
I chose a career in care because I have always been deeply moved by the struggles of those who are facing health challenges.
Every person deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported, especially during their most vulnerable times. Being able to provide comfort, understanding, and assistance to those who are sick is a privilege and an honour.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Myhomecare?
What I enjoy most about working with Myhomecare is the incredible sense of friendship and camaraderie that exists among all the staff and management.
We are like a close-knit family, always supporting and encouraging each other. This positive and collaborative environment allows us to provide the best possible care for our clients.
Knowing that we are all in this together, working towards a common goal of improving our clients’ lives, makes every day rewarding and fulfilling. It’s truly inspiring to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate team.
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in care?
To anyone interested in a career in care, my advice would be to embrace the journey with an open heart and a compassionate spirit. This field is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires patience, empathy, and resilience. Remember that your kindness and dedication can profoundly impact the lives of those you care for.
Also, cherish the relationships you build with both your clients and your colleagues—these connections will provide you with invaluable support and a sense of community.
Always be willing to learn and grow, and don’t hesitate to lean on your team for advice and encouragement. Your commitment to caring for others is truly a gift, and it will bring immense fulfillment to both you and those you help.
Cancer Survivors Awareness Day is dedicated to celebrating the strength and bravery of individuals who have overcome cancer. It’s a day that recognises their journey and offers support to those still battling the disease. Cancer survivorship is something to be extremely proud of and demonstrates a difficult period in an individual’s life. There are many ways to support this cause including fundraising and sharing stories. Myhomecare spoke to our very own cancer survivor and heard her inspiring story. With the right people and the right care, the challenges faced can be overcome together.
Myhomecare’s Inspiring Story
Client Care Manager- Cliodhna O’Connell
This is my personal story of my journey with breast cancer.
One evening seven years ago, at the age of 48, I found a lump in my right breast. The following day I went to the doctor who referred me to a consultant for a biopsy. I had the procedure that day and waited 2 weeks for the results. To distract myself I went to France on holidays with my husband. When I returned, I received my results. I knew it was not good when I was taken into a room with couches to sit down. Unfortunately I was right and the results were not good, the cancer had travelled to my lymph nodes. This meant I would require a much larger operation than I had expected.
This was a very scary time, but my husband and family were amazing. The following week I had my operation and stayed in hospital for 7 days. A month later I received an appointment to go and meet the chemo nurses. I have to say I found this day very difficult as I had to walk through the room where people were getting their treatment, and I knew next week this would be me. I had 16 weeks of chemo and on the 3rd week I lost my hair, this was very tough. I finished on the 16th of December. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff in the hospital, they were amazing. I then had a break from this treatment for about a month, which was fantastic and gave me some time to rest.
Radiotherapy began for 3 months which was less daunting in comparison to the first round of treatments. I was very lucky that through all of this, my employer Declan Murphy facilitated me to continue to work as I could not afford to not work.
After this long journey I am now 6 years cancer free. Hopefully by sharing my story it will benefit those who have survived cancer as well as those who are going through it.
The Importance of Cancer Survivorship Day
There is an increasing number of individuals who are living beyond cancer because of the progress made in cancer research today. This is creating a need for celebration for these improved treatments that have contributed to higher survival rates and a better quality of life for survivors.
Cancer survivorship represents triumph over the disease and the challenges that come with it. It is a day that promotes awareness about the ongoing needs of survivors and the importance of continued support and care. They may face many challenges, such as physical or emotional side effects and the need for ongoing medical care. Awareness provides a platform for survivors to connect, share their experiences and find support from a wider community.
Myhomecare provide specialised Oncology Care carers and Oncology Care nurses to assist individuals with cancer and their families. A member of our team can offer you support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The delivery of oncology care focuses on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the individual and providing the best quality of life possible for both the individual and family.
There are many ways to support cancer awareness. Fundraisers are an enjoyable way to raise money for cancer research. By spreading personal experiences of cancer it can encouragement and support others going through it. There are also other forms of support in relation to organisations that offer guidance to those affected.
Attend Fundraisers and Events: Participate in events organised in your community, such as a bake sale or a walk. These are fun ways to raise money for such a great cause and bring the whole community together.
Offer to Listen: Provide a compassionate space for survivors you know to share their experiences. Offer encouragement, empathy, and support throughout their journey.
Honor Cancer Survivors: Take a moment to acknowledge and honor the cancer survivors in your life. Reach out to them, send a heartfelt message, or spend quality time together.
Other Forms of Support
The Irish Cancer Society are a community who help individuals affected by cancer. They offer information about support services as well as an online community where individuals can share their stories about cancer and get advice.
The Marie Keating Foundation provides vital information, advice and support on the signs and symptoms of cancer as well as help to prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest stages. The Marie Keating Foundation’s Survive and Thrive workshops and seminars have been created to help men and women who have finished cancer treatment to adapt to the ‘new normal.’
ARC Cancer Support Centres provide psychological, emotional, educational and practical support in a warm and welcoming environment to people with cancer and those who care for them.
By acknowledging survivors of cancer, it creates a supportive environment to everyone affected by this disease. Whether that is a family member who has witnessed their loved one go through it or if it is someone who is currently going through cancer treatment. There are many ways to raise awareness and every individual has the right to tell their story as a way to encourage others to stay strong and overcome the challenges they may face. Creating a secure environment where survivors can unite, narrate their tales, and derive solace and motivation from each other’s experiences is vital in standing strong together.
If you would like more information about Myhomecare’s services
