Together we are stronger

Description

Sometimes the simplest of ideas are the most impactful. Recognising that many older persons literally end up going to hospital in the clothes they are wearing with no bag prepared and in many cases noone to bring them anything we set about addressing this. Through a partnership approach with Care and Repair, An Gardai Siochana, Carlow Older Persons Council and the various communities we prepared and delivered our Care Bags. To date almost 1000 bags have been distributed throughout Carlow town and county. Local community activists keep a stock for neighbours who may need them. Doctors surgeries and nursing homes, garda stations and our own buildings also maintain a supply. These ensure that older persons have some comfort in what is a very traumatising and worrying time.
The Emergency Boxes were introduced during storm Ophelia and are distributed to vulnerable older persons prior to or during a severe weather event. This initiative is operated with Care and Repair and An Garda Siochana as well as the Older Pertsons Council. We use a joint database to ensure that we reach all those who need help and to avoid one person getting visits from 3 agencies and another not seeing anyone. Our Care and Repair programme follows up with befriending calls.

Aim of Initiative

These initiatives are aimed at supporting those who are most vulnerable, living rurally, isolated, facing exclusion or lacking support. They aim to bring a level of dignity and respect in a hospital situation and a level of safety in a weather event. Most importantly these initiatives show people that they are not alone and that someone is thinking about them

Who is it aimed at

These initiatives are aimed at supporting those older persons who are most vulnerable, living rurally, isolated, facing exclusion or lacking support.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Before launching any initiative, we conduct thorough research to understand the real and emerging needs of older persons in County Carlow. This involves:
   • Engaging with local stakeholders, including Public Health Nurses, community organisations, and older persons themselves.
   • Analysing data on poverty, health, isolation, and vulnerability among the elderly.
   • Identifying gaps in existing services and tailoring responses to those most at risk.
   This research-driven approach ensures all services are relevant, targeted, and grounded in the lived realities of older people.
2. Once needs are identified, we focus on effective procurement and smart resource management to maximise impact. This includes:
   • Partnering with local suppliers and businesses for hospital bag contents, and emergency box materials.
   • Seeking bulk purchasing agreements and in-kind donations to stretch limited budgets further.
   • Ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money across all procurement processes.
   By strategically sourcing goods and services, we can provide consistent, high-quality support without unnecessary delays or overheads.
3. The final step — and the heart of our success — is the compassionate and efficient delivery of services. Key aspects include:
   • Coordinating a network of trained volunteers and community partners for hands-on support.
   • Ensuring person-centred delivery, with dignity and respect at the core.
   • Maintaining open communication with beneficiaries and using feedback to improve services continuously.
   This community-first approach ensures that every older person receives not just a service, but a meaningful connection with their local community.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Identifying Hidden or Isolated Need
   Many older persons most in need of support are:
   • Socially isolated, with limited contact with community services
   • Reluctant to seek help due to pride, stigma, or lack of awareness
   • Difficult to identify through traditional outreach methods
2. Limited Funding and Rising Costs
   As demand grows and the cost of living rises:
   • Fuel, essential goods, and services are becoming more expensive
   • Funding streams may be insufficient
   • Providing what older people need in sufficient quantities is difficult
3. Volunteer and Workforce Capacity
   The success of our delivery model relies heavily on:
   • Dedicated volunteers and staff for services like befriending and care & repair
   • Timely coordination and transport to rural or remote areas, relying on collaborations with our partners who all have their own work also
   • Consistent quality of care and engagement ensuring best practice and dignity

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Improved Wellbeing and Quality of Life for Older Persons
   Through tailored supports like hospital bags, befriending calls, and emergency boxes, older individuals experience:
   • Greater comfort and safety at home
   • Reduced feelings of isolation and anxiety
   • Increased sense of dignity and being cared for
   This can lead to tangible improvements in physical and emotional wellbeing.
2. More Efficient and Targeted Use of Resources
   The research-informed and strategically procured supports ensure:
   • Better allocation of funding to those in greatest need
   • Minimised waste through bulk buying and local partnerships
   • Faster response times in emergency or seasonal needs (e.g. hospital admissions or cold weather)
   This results in high-impact interventions delivered at a sustainable cost, maximising community benefit.
3. Stronger Community Networks and Social Cohesion
   By involving local volunteers, businesses, and health professionals in service delivery, we have:
   • Strengthened trust between older persons and community services
   • Fostered a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity
   • Encouraged active community participation in caring for the vulnerable
   These networks not only support ongoing projects but also build long-term resilience and connectivity across Carlow.