This article is from page 19 of the 2011-10-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
A GROUND-BREAKING service developed by the Brothers of Charity in Ennis is to get national exposure this week when the ‘Home Share Clare’ initiative is showcased on RTÉ.
The service that provides short breaks to adults and children with learning disabilities will be featured on this Wednesday’s Nationwide programme.
Over the past three years Home Share Clare, which is dependent on fundraising and charitable donations has successfully placed over 40 adults with families.
“Families of people with disabilities are telling us that one of the supports that they may need to enable them to continue to care for their family member at home are short breaks,” a spokesperson for the Brothers of Charity revealed.
“Short breaks give them a break from their role as carer and also provide their family member an opportunity to be with others and benefit from new experiences.
“The uniqueness of this initiative is that care is provided for people in family homes and can really be seen as a home away from home. Individuals enjoy the opportunity of developing new relationships and being part of new communities whilst enjoying a short break,” the spokesperson added.
With home-sharing the person seeking the service is carefully matched with a person/family that often have common interests and hobbies. “The family of the person requesting the respite meet and often build up relationships with the home sharers,” the Brothers of Charity spokesperson said.
“Breaks can be planned and crisis can be responded to quicker and more efficiently than more traditional ways of providing respite.
Home-sharing is a two way process in that the families who provide the respite gain hugely from the experience of having a person with an intellectual disability stay in their home. “Sustainable and unique relationships can develop that will last for many years to come.
“Home-sharing is a crucial way to support and expand the informal networks of families and build on capacity and strength of communities.
“Home share families are assessed, trained and supported by Home Share Clare,” the spokesperson concluded.