New Respite Centres Open in Limerick and Ennis to Aid Families

Two new respite centres have opened in Limerick and Ennis, addressing the urgent need for residential care services for children and adults in the region. With over 60 children currently facing lengthy waiting lists for similar care, these facilities aim to provide much-needed support.

Norma Foley, the Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, officially inaugurated the Sunville House residential service in Limerick last week. This newly established facility is dedicated to supporting adults with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and physical and sensory disabilities. The services offered at Sunville House are tailored to meet the individual needs of each resident, utilizing a person-centred approach to care.

In Ennis, Minister Foley also opened the Hazeldene Respite House, a dedicated centre designed specifically for children’s respite care. This newly refurbished facility, which is registered with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), aims to assist autistic children and those with intellectual disabilities in the Mid West region. The Hazeldene Respite House features a three-bedroom main section along with a self-contained one-bedroom apartment, which is suitable for emergency and crisis placements.

Minister Foley highlighted the importance of these residential respite care services for children and families, stating, “Hazeldene in Clare will provide much-needed services to a number of children and their families. Similarly, Sunville House in Limerick will provide residential care for people with disabilities in a safe, homely environment.”

She commended both Enable Ireland and Resilience Healthcare for their excellent track record in delivering quality services to individuals with disabilities. The Minister acknowledged the efforts of their staff and the Health Service Executive (HSE) in facilitating these essential services.

The opening of these centres marks a significant step towards improving the availability of residential care options for vulnerable populations in the Mid West. Families can now access crucial support, alleviating some of the pressure that long waiting lists have created. The commitment to providing person-centred care will be vital in ensuring that each individual’s unique needs are met in a compassionate and effective manner.