Latest news with #HomeInstead
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Limerick woman named Munster Caregiver of the Year 2025 – ‘we'd be lost without her'
A 'good' and 'hard-working' Limerick woman has been named Dovida Munster Caregiver of the Year 2025, after being nominated by both colleagues and clients as 'irreplaceable.' Mary Kenihan, who works with Dovida's Limerick and Clare office, was honoured during a special ceremony marking 20 years of outstanding care services in Ireland, even after their rebrand from Home Instead. Described by clients as a 'good friend' and a bright light in their day, Mary advanced to the regional stage after winning the local title, and ultimately took home the top honour for Munster. 'It was very emotional to hear what my clients said about me,' Mary said. 'You don't realise the difference you make to them until you hear it back. Just receiving the local award was brilliant for me, so to get the Munster one was amazing. 'I wasn't expecting it, because I feel that all the caregivers deserve it,' she added. Client Kathleen O'Connell said: 'Mary is a very hard worker and a great carer, I always feel comfortable and looked after when she's around. I wouldn't be able to live at home without her help around the house.' She added: 'Over the last few years, my favourite thing about her is how good a friend she has become to me, and I love having her around.' Maureen Murnane, whose mother Theresa lives with dementia, described Mary as 'an extension of the family.' She shared how Mary brought joy back into her mother's life through cards, puzzles, painting, and baking. 'It's heartening to see my mother's face light up with joy again.' Renowned broadcaster and competition judge Mary Kennedy praised Mary's compassionate nature and the heartfelt testimonials from clients' families. 'The testimonies from the family members of Mary's clients made a real impact on me. It's clear that she cares deeply for her clients and treats everyone she meets with compassion and respect,' she said. 'I was particularly impressed by Mary's willingness to go above and beyond for her clients, in one instance even paying a visit on her own time to a client who was in hospital. It's stories like these that really brighten up my day, just like Mary does to all of her clients,' she added. Brian O'Sullivan, General Manager of Dovida Limerick and Clare, called Mary 'irreplaceable,' saying: 'She sets the gold standard for caregiving. Her clients feel seen, supported, and respected.' Dovida Ireland CEO Shane Jennings echoed this sentiment, adding: 'Mary embodies what it means to be a Dovida caregiver. We're incredibly proud to have her on our team.' Related topics Jasmin Griffin
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Home care provider to create 50 new jobs as it launches new Wicklow office
Dovida, which has been providing care to ageing adults in Ireland since 2005, recently rebranded from Home Instead and now intends to increase capacity in the sector and expand its service offerings across the county. Notably, the firm now provides services to support people living with a range of needs, not just advanced ageing. The roles will be a combination of full and part-time positions, offering competitive rates of pay, flexible schedules, and comprehensive, sector-leading training through the Home Care Professionals Academy. Speaking at the launch of Dovida's local office in Kilmacanogue, general manager of Dovida Wicklow, Michael Lowe was joined by the firm's longest-serving caregiver, Bernie Keogh. Michael said: 'We are excited about welcoming more caregivers like Bernie to our team. They will help us meet the growing need for home care services in Wicklow and make it possible for more people to receive the support they need to live comfortably and independently at home. 'Caregivers joining our team can expect comprehensive training, a dedicated local team and supportive environment as well as opportunities to grow professionally and develop a rewarding career in home care,' he added. Dovida currently provides person-centred home care services to 8,000 people across Ireland. Historically, the majority of the organisation's client base consisted of people in the over-65 age group. However, Dovida now cares for clients of all ages, with 10pc under 65, while children under 18 make up one per cent of people cared for. Dovida's services have adapted to the varied needs of its clients, and the company now provides services to support people living with an acquired brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neurone disease, as well as helping children and young adults with additional needs. 'We believe in quality home care that empowers people to live with dignity, independence, and comfort in familiar surroundings,' Michael continued. 'That means keeping them in their own home, connected to their family, friends and communities for as long as possible. Social interaction and companionship are crucial for maintaining good mental health and supporting those experiencing cognitive decline, particularly older people. 'As an organisation with deep roots in the community, we understand the value of connection and it's fantastic to be in a position to grow our team so we can support more and more people throughout Wicklow,' Michael concluded. Dovida welcomes applications from people from all walks of life and is committed to supporting them every step of the way. People interested in pursuing a career in caregiving can visit their website.
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Homecare provider to create 60 new jobs in Louth
Drogheda Independent Home care provider, Dovida, has today announced plans to create up to 60 new caregiver jobs in Louth. The positions, which will be a mix of full-time and part-time roles, are part of the company's broader effort to expand services and meet increasing demand for home care in the region. Formerly known as Home Instead, Dovida has been operating in Ireland since 2005 and recently rebranded as it broadened its range of services and intends to increase capacity across the region. The company currently provides home care to over 8,000 people across the country. The organisation's client base began with people in the over-65 age group but there is a growing portion of their clients (10pc) who are under the age of 65, with children under 18 making up 1pc of their clients. Dovida's services have adapted to the varied needs of its clients, and the company now provides services to support people living with an acquired brain injury, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Motor Neurone Disease, as well as helping children and young adults with additional needs. The new roles will be a combination of full and part-time positions, offering competitive rates of pay, flexible schedules, and comprehensive, sector-leading training through the Home Care Professionals Academy. Speaking at the launch of Dovida's Louth office, Allison Doggett, General Manager of Dovida Louth, said, 'We are excited about welcoming more caregivers to our team. They will help us meet the growing need for home care services in Louth and make it possible for more people to receive the support they need to live comfortably and independently at home. 'Caregivers joining our team can expect comprehensive training, a dedicated local team and supportive environment as well as opportunities to grow professionally and develop a rewarding career in home care. We believe in quality home care that empowers people to live with dignity, independence, and comfort in familiar surroundings,' Doggett continued. 'That means keeping them in their own home, connected to their family, friends and communities for as long as possible. Social interaction and companionship are crucial for maintaining good mental health and supporting those experiencing cognitive decline, particularly older people. As an organisation with deep roots in the community, we understand the value of connection and it's fantastic to be in a position to grow our team so we can support more and more people throughout the county,' Allison concluded. Dovida caregivers provide essential support to ageing adults and people living with disabilities in their own homes. The organisation's person-centred approach means that its caregivers build meaningful connections with their clients and empower them to live fuller, more independent lives. Dovida welcomes applications from people from all walks of life and is committed to supporting them every step of the way. People interested in pursuing a rewarding career in caregiving are encouraged to visit
Daily Record
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Home care company owner in West Lothian appeals to UK Government to reconsider national insurance hike
Home Instead joined thousands calling for the social care sector to be exempt A home care company with offices in Livingston is doubling down its campaign for the government to reconsider the hike in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for social care providers. Home Instead UK has 20 offices across Scotland and since the Labour government announced a rise in employer NICs in last October's budget, the care company has joined thousands calling for the social care sector to be exempt. They have warned that the rise and the new threshold at which NICs is paid will reduce the availability of quality care and increase the burden on hospitals which are already overstretched. In February the House of Lords voted to amend the National Insurance Contributions Bill whereby businesses including GPs, hospices and care providers would be exempt from the hike in contributions. But this was dismissed by MPs in a House of Commons vote on March 19. Graham Stevenson, owner of Home Instead West Lothian in Livingston, said: 'The government has failed to listen to the thousands who marched at 'Providers Unite' which warned the government of the dangers of maintaining the tax hike. 'The National Insurance hike and lowering of the threshold it is paid at will impact on the social care system. We need to be recruiting and training quality carers, and the tax hike will only make it more difficult. 'The social care sector keeps people living well in communities, preventing illness and allowing people to transfer home from hospital as soon as they are well enough to do so. The government must recognise this. 'Along with the rest of the sector, I will continue the fight to appeal the decision.' Home Instead is continuing to lobby for the changes along with many organisations it works alongside, including the Homecare Association.
Axios
09-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Early Alzheimer's signs to watch for in adults over 65
11% of Arkansans over 65 are living with Alzheimer's, according to 2020 data shared in a new Alzheimer's Association report. Why it matters: More than 7 million seniors now live with Alzheimer's in the U.S., according to the report — the highest number ever recorded — but addressing cognitive decline early can help stave off the disease. By the numbers: Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women, according to data cited in the report. Risk increases with age: 5.1% of people aged 65 - 74 have it; and 33.4% of people 85 and older have it, per the report. Zoom out: The highest rates of seniors with Alzheimer's are in D.C. with 16.8% and Maryland with 12.9%, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The lowest is in Montana with 9.8%. "It doesn't surprise me" that Alzheimer's incidence has increased, because the population is aging and "we're becoming more sophisticated in our options for diagnosing and testing for Alzheimer's disease," Lakelyn Eichenberger, a gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead, tells Axios. With cases climbing and age a key risk factor, early action is critical for managing the disease and accessing new treatments, Eichenberger says. Warning signs to watch for in high-risk age groups: Trouble finding the right word. Difficulty judging distances. Misplacing things and struggling to retrace steps. Between the lines: "If you're seeing patterns of these types of signs over an extended period of time," that could signal it's time to see a health care provider about cognitive decline, Eichenberger says.
