“The Carndonagh Day Care Centre for Older Persons provides a much needed vital service to our community,” according to Tony Doherty, Chairperson for the Restoration of Carndonagh Day Care Services Committee, speaking in recent weeks as a special event was held to mark the official re-opening of the Day Care Centre.

Noting that all gathered for the event were “thrilled to be here to mark this momentous occasion,” Tony added that the centre and the services it provides is “at the heart of the well-being of our community and plays a critical role in supporting families and individuals in need of specialised care. It  provides a welcoming environment where those attending can receive the high-quality, compassionate services and support that they need.”

The celebration event was attended by service users from the Carndonagh Day Care Centre, their family members and friends, along with the Restoration Carndonagh Day Care Services Committee. HSE Staff and a number  of local community representatives were also in attendance. The event was broadcast live by Highland Radio and entertainment on the day was provided by special guest appearances from the Henry Girls, Carndonagh Choir and the Carndonagh Brass Band. 

The event was also an opportunity to reflect on Carndonagh Day Services for Older Persons becoming operational again at the Spraoi agus Spórt facility in the town – having closed in March 2020 due to Covid restrictions at Carndonagh Community Hospital. 

Following a review in 2022 it was determined that the hospital was no longer suitable to provide Day Care Services. This led to the relocation of services in 2023.  For the past two years, services were temporarily moved to Glengad while a suitable premises was sought in Carndonagh. The Glengad Centre also remains operational.

The Day Service now operates on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 10am to 3.30pm. Between 15 to 20 people attend each day, benefiting from a variety of activities tailored to their individual preferences. These activities include music, dancing, card playing, poetry and chair exercises. These were agreed with service users based on the "What Matters to Me" document, which allowed attendees to share their interests and needs with care staff to ensure that the activities are scheduled around their preferences. 

Transport is available to assist attendees to access this important community resource. Referrals for the service can be made through the local Public Health Nurse, and queries can be directed to the Director of Nursing at the Carndonagh Community Hospital.

Frank Morrison, Head of  Service, Older Persons, HSE Community Services Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo told the gathering that the HSE was “delighted to have had the opportunity to work closely with the Restoration Carndonagh Day Care Services Committee in re-establishing the Day Service in Carndonagh. The Service will allow people to socialise in their own community and to avail of the wide range of activities on offer.”