Respite Centre Business Case
Respite Centre Business Case
Background
A decrease in both statutory and fundraised income over the past number of years has meant that MS Ireland's Care Centre has only been open 40 weeks per year. MS Ireland are seeking further annual investment which will allow the centre to open 350 days per year, allowing additional people with MS the chance to avail of a place.
The centre, which is situated in Bushy Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin, is a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art respite facility. Admitting and welcoming 400 people annually, the Care Centre not only provides people living with MS and their caregivers a break, but it also delivers a range of therapeutic services, neurological assessments and social activities. Guests can take part in yoga, have a massage, enjoy art class, go on day trips, engage with other members of the MS community and much more.
It gives people living with MS, from all parts of the country, a chance to rest, revitalise and rejuvenate in a homely, relaxing space, which is equipped for their needs. An additional benefit that the Care Centre provides is a break for caregivers. Knowing that their loved one is being well cared for in our Care Centre allows them to take time for self-care. Supporting carers maintains the sustainability of homecare.
In a bid to ensure the maximum benefit to people living with MS and the optimal use of the Care Centre, MS Ireland are requesting an additional €627,000 in annual funding. This will result in 1,248 additional bed nights on a yearly basis. Download MS Ireland's Respite Centre Business Case- see below
“I know from the moment I go inside that door, I am cared for instantly, my worries go away from the moment I go in that door, they take my bags, make sure I am ok, provide me with food and tea, it’s a safe place to go, you feel happy knowing that everyone there is looking after you”
Edel PwMS, Roscommon
How You Can Help
You can help MS Ireland to secure this funding and help open the service to even more people living with MS by contacting your local representative. We have a sample letter/email which you can use to contact your representatives. We encourage you to personalise your letter and share any personal experiences which may support our request if you wish to do so.
You can find contact details for your local TD’s by visiting https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/ and entering your address in the search bar and pressing ‘search’.
Leinster House Visit
In October 2018, MS Ireland presented the MS Care Centre Business Case to TDs and Senators in Leinster House. We were overwhelmed by the support shown by your local representatives at today's event.
In a video released to coincide with the presentation, Mark Mitchell shares why further investment is important and the services offered at the Care Centre. You can check out Mark's video at the bottom of this page.
The MS Care Centre welcomes 400 people annually, the Care Centre not only provides people living with MS and their caregivers a break but delivers a range of therapeutic services, neurological assessments and social activities.
Due to decreased income, the Care Centre only opens 40 weeks per year. MS Ireland are requesting a further €600,000 in annual investment due to the increased demand for the service. This would see the Care Centre open 350 days per year from 2019 and provide an extra 1,128 bed-nights annually.
MS Ireland will continue to campaign to secure additional funding to open our respite service 350 days per year
Thank you for contacting your local representatives. Your involvement and action make a difference. #ISupportMS.
“I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1983 and have been coming to the MS Care Centre on a regular basis over the last 20 years. When I first came to the centre I walked in with the aid of a stick, however now I use an electric wheelchair and I need a high level of care. As my MS progressed and my level of care increased, the centre continued to offer me a service. The Care Centre is my lifeline and the only place that can meet my needs.”
Deidre, PWMS