This article is from page 20 of the 2008-10-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
INSTITUTIONAL — respite care could be a thing of the past for peo- ple with disabilities as Home Share Clare grows in popularity.
The Brothers of Charity Services initiative encourages friendships that see people with disabilities spend time with new friends and families, giving their own family a break from a full time caring role.
Developed in 2007 by the Broth- ers of Charity Services in Clare, the service offers people the opportunity
to live within a family home, experi- ence the local community and at the same time build new relationships and friendships.
To date nine people have availed of the Home Share service while six more individuals and families are being assessed.
‘The person we place can enjoy a break or a holiday in a homely at- mosphere and their parents and sib- lings will have a break from their full time caring role. In return, families and the person get the opportunity to learn more about disability while
caring and sharing in their own home,’ explained Nicola Garrehy, Children’s Co-ordinator.
The Brothers of Charity main- tain that the new service leads to a more lasting and unique relationship, which can be nurtured for many years to come.
“Tt is more natural for the individ- ual involved. This is evident in the strong bonds and attachments that have been developed over the year,” said Ms Garrehy.
“Tt instils confidence in the indi- vidual. They know it is a friend-
ship because it is not someone from school or someone that’s being paid that they are spending time with,” she said.
Ms Garrehy explained that experi- ence working with disabilities is not necessary to take on the role of home Stee
Personal qualities are more impor- tant than qualifications or experi- ence, she said.
Careful consideration goes into matching individuals, with personal- ities, interests and availability taken into consideration.
Training and support is provided before Home Sharing even starts and throughout the experience.
Those that sign up are asked to commit to five breaks a year. This can range for a day out to a week’s Tey eCer-Nie
Ms Garrehy said that in the experi- ence of the initiative people meet up far more often that the required five times as friendships form.
Those interested in getting involved with Home Share are asked to con- tact Patricia O’Meara by calling 087 6680081.