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GoFundMe campaign established to develop Dromcollogher Respite Centre
Dromcollogher Respite Centre is a 14-bedded residence that provides short-term respite care to the elderly and their carers
The respite centre hopes to build an additional three en-suite bedrooms, in compliance with HIQA regulations
By I Love Limerick correspondent Ava O’Donoghue
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established in aid of Dromcollogher Respite Centre, County Limerick.
The purpose-built centre incorporating a 14-bed residence providing short-term respite care opened its doors in April 2002, thanks to local dairy farmer Seamus Stack.
Seamus realised there was a need for a respite service in the area that also provided to carers after his mother Lena passed away in 1980. Along with the help of the small Dromcollogher community, consisting of just 1,000 people, Seamus raised €55,000 to construct the centre.
Since then, Seamus has dedicated his life to providing a positive and comfortable environment for the elderly, who he describes as “the generation that built Ireland and made it the country it is, through very hard times”.
The respite centre is community-owned and community-driven, operating on an admirable 24-hour voluntary effort, seven days a week, in conjunction with various statutory bodies such as the HSE and Pobal.
As a result of charging a very small fee for excellent respite care, Dromcollogher relies heavily on fundraising to keep its doors open. Any funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign will be used to construct an additional three en-suite bedrooms at the centre, in compliance with HIQA regulations around social distancing.
The centre offers its residents appetizing and wholesome foods prepared daily, pastoral care and social activities such as live music sessions, storytelling and communal reading.
Dromcollogher Respite Centre strives to maintain affordable weekly costs for residents who receive around-the-clock nursing care. The residents of the centre also have their holistic needs met, which helps to provide a “home away from home” atmosphere.
The service is available to those within the local community as well as those from further afield, such as Limerick, Cork, and Kerry.
Dromcollogher wishes to thank those who graciously donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser.
To donate to the Dromcollogher Respite Centre appeal go HERE
For more community stories go HERE