Caru is a continuous learning programme developed by Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), in partnership with All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC), and the HSE.
Our aim is to support and empower nursing homes and their staff in the delivery of palliative, end of life, and bereavement care, leading in turn to enhanced quality of life for residents, a good death, easing the bereavement process for their families. Shaped by a spirit of compassion for people in their care, it is underpinned by expertise, experience and research, to support and empower nursing homes.
Siobhan Murphy, Director of Healthcare, says…
“Our National office will oversee the implementation of this new programme based at the Irish Hospice Foundation. Nine Regional Leads for Nursing Homes (one per CHO region) will deliver our quality improvement workshops, organise regional networking events and support nursing homes at a regional level.”
Kate Steele, Programme Manager, says…
“Caru brings together IHF‘s quality improvement programme with the AIIHPC’s Project ECHO for nursing homes. Staff will have the opportunity to access education, networking, shared learning opportunities through the programme’s quality improvement workshops, Project ECHO Nursing Home Knowledge Networks, webinars, networking events, and a dedicated learning platform where resources that support the programme will be available.”
Karen Charnley, Director for All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, says…
“AIIHPC is delighted to be a partner in this innovative educational programme for nursing homes. We are looking forward to rolling out our webinar series and Project ECHO knowledge networks to support our colleagues in nursing homes in their important role in caring for their residents.”
Upcoming Caru Webinars
An Update on Parkinson’s Disease and Nursing Home Care
Dr Ruth Mc Donagh
Thursday 29 September 2022, 3.00 – 4.00pm
The Deteriorating Patient in a Nursing Home Setting
Ms Claire Noonan
Thursday 13 Oct 2022
Registration open soon
Delirium and Nursing Home Care
Dr Aoife Fallon
Thursday 27 Oct 2022
Registration open soon
An Update on Falls and Nursing Home Care
Dr Robert Briggs (SJH)
Thursday 8 Nov 2022
Registration open soon
Benefits to the Programme
Residents
- Continue to receive excellent palliative, end of life (EOL) and bereavement care, in line with needs and wishes
- Families will be supported through palliative, end of life and the bereavement journey with their loved one
Staff
- Further enhance their skills in palliative, end of life and bereavement care
- Empowered to deliver palliative and EOL care within their scope of practice
- Support staff health & wellbeing through peer support and reflective practice
Nursing Homes
- Strong relationships, and mutually beneficial ways of working, are reinforced between nursing homes, community services, and specialist palliative care supports
- Nursing homes are supported to have a framework in place for reviewing and improving palliative & end of life care provided to residents
- Enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration and teamwork across the nursing home
Introduction to the Regional Leads and 4 areas
(CHO1, CHO4, CHO7, CHO9)
Nine Regional Leads for Nursing Homes (one per CHO region) will deliver quality improvement workshops and organise regional networking events.
We are delighted to announce the following Regional Leads have been appointed with ongoing recruitment in place for the remaining CHO areas.
- Janet Tobin Regional Lead CHO 5 (Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny & South Tipp)
- Ann Marie Murphy Regional Lead CHO 7 (Kildare/West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City, Dublin South West)
- Clodagh McGuinness Regional Leads CHO 1 (Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan, Cavan/Monaghan
- Mark Murphy Regional Lead CHO 4 (Cork / Kerry)
Upcoming Appointment:
Sheenagh Murphy, Education and Standards National Manager will be commencing her role in October
For further information please visit our Careers Page
End of Life Care Resources
If you would like more information, you can visit our End of Life Care Resources page or Caring at End of Life.
