On Friday, 11th of October next, Glenamaddy Daycare will celebrate a big milestone – 40 years of service to the local community.
Mass will be celebrated at 1 pm on Friday, October 11th and the celebrations will continue in the afternoon with musical entertainment.
Community Care enhances and improves the quality of life for the most vulnerable in the community – particularly the aged – and provides facilities for those who need care and help in our society.
At Glenamaddy Daycare, a full daycare service (with bus) is run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (for 25-plus people), while there is a Meals on Wheels delivery service five days a week (for 30-plus people).
The daycare centre in Glenamaddy was the brainchild of the late Dr Patrick Geraghty, a local GP who was a major positive force for community development.
Dr Geraghty used his influence to persuade the Western Health Board (as it was then) to contribute quite a substantial sum to the building of extra rooms and a kitchen at the existing community centre. These rooms are used as the daycare centre.
In the autumn of 1984, the daycare centre first opened its doors, with a staff of three people. The staff comprised two job-sharing nurses and a driver for the new bus, which had already been acquired after much fundraising in the locality.
From day one, the daycare service was in operation five days a week, and as numbers steadily grew, any doubts as to its value were soon dispelled.
The centre adapted and changed over the years to meet the needs at any given time. Over the years it has catered for people within an approximate 15-mile radius. Service-users can avail of the centre’s transport, which is fitted out with a hoist to aid access.
A four-course lunch is provided. Services and activities include occupational therapy, suitable exercise, bingo, outings, and pastoral care.
The centre is a lovely happy place with a dedicated staff. Everyone at the centre is looking forward to continuing to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable in the community.
The centre would not have been able to provide the services it has over the years without the support of FÁS (now Solas), to whom they are deeply indebted.
