The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Killarney takes major step in caring for elderly
May 1995
KILLARNEY is about to take a major step forward in caring for the elderly with the development of a £1.8 million sheltered housing project.
The project, which was announced this week, is to be developed by a specially established company, Holy Cross Garden, and it will be located near the grotto adjacent to Rock Road and Coolegrean Park on a four acre site given free by the Mercy Order.
According to Holy Cross Gardens Chairwoman, Sr Columba Relihan, the project will provide long term accommodation for about 40 elderly and disabled residents in a variety of single and family units.
Arranged in two single storey wings either side of a two storey communal block, the centre will have four family units, four disabled units, four bedsits and 22 single bedsits. There will be provision for people who need independent living as well as for those who need assisted independent living.
Seventy five per cent of those accommodated at the centre will be elderly, said Sr Columba.
“The popular image of being old is one of inevitable physical decline, deterioration of mental faculties and increasing dependency, but there is increasing evidence that the vast majority of the elderly, even in advanced old age, can function independently in the community,” she said.
“Suitable housing is essential in enabling elderly people to live independent lives in the community for as long as possible. Sheltered homes is one of the most significant developments in the fostering of active living among frail or vulnerable elderly,” she added.
The communal block will have a living-or-dining area, a day-room, a meeting room, a kitchen, laundry, office and enclosed walkway while the whole complex will be supervised by a caretaker and will have special alarm facilities.
Both the residential units and the communal facilities will be centrally heated with the communal, facilities also being used by those accommodated in the present day care centre in town.
According to Sr Columba, the communal facilities will also be used to provide meals on wheels while the residential units may also be used on a short term basis by marginalised groups such as victims of violence.
Planning permission has been obtained and a commitment has been given by the Department of the Environment to provide £855,000, leaving £945,000 to be raised locally.