Praxis Care celebrate 20 years of supporting choice and independence
This year marks 20 years since Praxis Care’s Intellectual Disability Residential Service in Mullingar first opened its doors to provide care and support for adults with intellectual disabilities in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment where they can develop and reach their full potential.
Residents, families, staff, community partners and local representatives gathered in September to mark the milestone.
Adrian Costello moved in to the service shortly after it opened. Before coming to Mullingar, Adrian lived in a more institutional setting where he shared a room with several other people and had limited opportunities to make choices about his daily life.
Today, Adrian enjoys greater independence, has his own space, and takes part in activities in his community and pursues interests he enjoys. He is particularly proud of improvements in his health and wellbeing, including becoming seizure free, improving his mobility and learning to read. His achievements were recognised when he was shortlisted for Praxis Care’s Celebrating Success Awards for improvements in his health and wellbeing.
Asked what the service’s 20th anniversary means to him, Adrian’s answer reflects the difference it has made in his life: “My health and wellbeing.”
Rosarie Tynan, acting director of Care for Republic of Ireland at Praxis Care, said: “Reaching 20 years is a significant milestone for the Mullingar service and is an opportunity to recognise the positive impact it has had on the lives of the people we support.
“For two decades, the service has supported people to build confidence, develop independence and play an active role in their communities. Adrian’s story is a reminder of what can be achieved when people are given the right support to reach their goals and live the lives they choose.
“We are proud of the residents, families and colleagues who have shaped this service over the last 20 years and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, person-centred support for many years to come.”
Praxis Care operate 147 health and social care services across Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and the Isle of Man, supporting people with intellectual disabilities, autism, mental ill health, dementia and those requiring support to live independently.