Home Instead’s 2020 guidebook launched

A new guidebook aimed at helping older people and family carers to learn more about ageing is now available in communities all over Ireland.

The Senior Citizen and Family Carer Essential Guidebook 2020 includes comprehensive information on the wide range of supports available to older people, from the state, volunteer groups and the private sector.

It also contains useful tips and advice on community services, social activity, home safety and security, nutrition, health and general wellbeing.

“There is really useful information in the guidebook which helps seniors and family carers make better decisions regarding their health and wellbeing,” says Michael Wright, director of Public Affairs at Home Instead Senior Care, who produce the guidebook.

“All this helps to improve quality of life and allows older people to remain living at home, which is where they want to be.

“For instance, we know that loneliness and isolation can be a serious issue for older people, and the effects can be worse during the winter months or in rural areas.

“But some of the organisations listed in the guidebook work tirelessly to keep seniors socially active in communities all over the country. This can help prevent illness, and ensure we can live independently at home, and allow us to maintain strong links with the community.

“Similarly, family carers are often under immense pressure as they try to juggle many different elements of life as they look after their older parents and their young family too. The guidebook has information aimed at helping them to deal with this pressure and avoid burnout,” says Mr Wright.

The guidebook is being distributed in cities, towns and villages all over Ireland, through Home Instead Senior Care’s national network of local offices.

The guidebook shares the experience and expertise that the home care company has accumulated over the past 15 years in Ireland.

Speaking at the launch at the Trinity City Hotel, Joseph Musgrave, chief executive of Home and Community Care Ireland, said: “Understanding, and accessing, home care remains a real problem in Ireland.

“We have a waiting list of over 7,200, tax credits that are under-utilised and a confusing landscape in getting support in local communities. Home Instead’s guidebook is a fantastic answer to some of these issues. It neatly pulls together a range of resources that help individuals, families and professionals get what they needs.”