News Now New drive to strengthen awareness of ‘adult safeguarding’ The research was launched for Ireland’s first-ever Adult Safeguarding Day – a new nationwide initiative, coordinated by Safeguarding Ireland, to raise better understanding of safeguarding and the prevention of adult abuse. A survey of a representative sample of 1,000 adults found that 67per cent of people recognised ‘safeguarding from adult abuse’ as something they had an awareness of, however when provided with an explanation just 34% said they had correctly understood what it means. The survey found that people were inclined to see safeguarding as ‘procedural tasks’ related to security at care facilities, inspection and audit of services, or maintaining records and files. Safeguarding Ireland Chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke said: ‘Safeguarding means putting measures in place to uphold our rights, to support our health and wellbeing and to reduce the risk of harm. It involves ourselves, our families, services and professionals all working together to prevent adult abuse, neglect, or coercive control. Safeguarding Ireland Chairperson, Patricia Rickard-Clarke and the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee launch Ireland’s first-ever Adult Safeguarding Day information event.
Two thirds of people are aware of ‘adult safeguarding’, but just a third correctly understand what it means – according to new RED C research .
‘Safeguarding also means empowerment – that if we face challenges with our capacity, our voices are heard and included. It also means that we plan ahead so that if, at a future date, we need help from others that there is clarity on our wishes – and that these will be respected.” Information is available at www.safeguardingday.ie
Home Plus announces charity partnership with Dogs for the Disabled Home Plus, Ireland’s home equity release specialist, has announced that Dogs for the Disabled has been selected as one of the company’s charity partners for 2021/2022. Dogs for the Disabled, aims to improve the lives of children and adults living with disabilities in Ireland.
Ian Higgins, left, CEO of Home Plus with Niall Condon, Senior Occupational Therapist, Adult Mental Health Services, HSE and a member of the board of directors of The Waterford Mental Health Association with labrador Lily. 2 Senior Times l January - February 2022 l www.seniortimes.ie
As part of the agreement, Home Plus will work with Dogs for the Disabled to provide further support to individuals across Ireland living independently in the community. The partnership reflects the company’s commitment to support over 55’s to remain in their homes in retirement. This announcement coincides with the launch of a new community canine therapy support programme for older people based in County Waterford. The initiative is being rolled out by the charity with the
allocation of another therapy support dog to the Waterford Mental Health Association in partnership with the Adult Mental Health Services, HSE. Lillie, a golden Labrador from Dogs for the Disabled, will support Niall Condon, Senior Occupational Therapist with the Psychiatry of later life team in Waterford in his work with older people in the community. Therapy dogs are bred for their intelligence and sociability and it is these qualities that will be of key importance in the development of Lillie’s supportive therapeutic role in the community with the Psychiatry of later life team in Waterford. To find out more about the work of Dogs for the Disabled, visit: https:// dogsfordisabled.ie/about/
