Celebrating Excellence in Care

Anna Noone
Foxrock Nursing Home
Co. Dublin

Anna trained in Scotland as a R.G.N., D.N. and has a B.Sc. in Health Studies.
Anna has worked with Older Peoples Services in Scotland over the years both in an operational and Strategic capacity, she collaborated with Dementia Services Stirling, Commissioning Dementia Services for NHS Health Boards before moving to Ireland in 2007.

Anna continued her work with Older Peoples services in Leopardstown Park Hospital as Director of Nursing and Operations, and moved to Foxrock Nursing Home in 2010 as Director of Nursing.

In Foxrock Nursing Home Anna is passionate about her residents and staff and cultivates an environment of Person Centred Care, ensuring “one size doesn’t fit all”. Anna supports and encourages her dynamic team to go above and beyond normal boundaries to deliver high quality services, collaboratively, clinically and socially.

Norma Sheehan
Saint Joseph’s Centre
Co. Dublin

Norma Sheehan is Director of Nursing since 2012, at Saint Joseph’s Shankill, a Dementia Care Matters Butterfly Home for 60 people living with dementia also offering Day Care and respite care.

Since her arrival, Saint Joseph’s has undergone a major transformation both culturally and environmentally. Today Norma is so proud the people in her care know they are needed and they still matter and they are cared for in a loving way where there feelings matter most.

Norma’s motto “Be the change you want to see in the world” (Mahatma ).

Lovella Valenzuela
Hamilton Park Care Facility
Co. Dublin

Lovella joined Hamilton Park as Director of Nursing in 2016. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Ireland in 2004 and worked in the Mater Hospital for 12 years in Gerontology, AMU and Bed Management.
Due to her passion for improving healthcare delivery, she implemented numerous initiatives, including the 3 Tier Clinical Auditing System which led to a massive reduction in falls, hospital transfers, and zero restraints. Additionally, she developed a care pathway for Palliative care, the Care Mapping of residents with dementia and recently, the 3 Tier Observation of Standard Monitoring System. This empowered the staff to improve, provide, and focus on the specific care needs of each resident.

Lovella’s excellent rapport with the staff, residents/ families and positive attitude has made a lot of impact on the delivery of care to the residents of Hamilton Park.

Roshen Vavallil Kuriakose
Maypark House Nursing Home
Co. Waterford

Roshen started working in Maypark House Nursing Home as a Staff Nurse in 2016.  He is a registered nurse for 12 years with over 8 years’ experience in care of the elderly

 He is passionate about his work and with the whole team, strives for the highest standard and above all person-centred care.  Roshen quickly progressed to become one of our Senior Nurse Managers and was the driving force in implementing new procedures in the areas of restrictive practice, falls reduction and wound care. He is extremely committed in his role and is an excellent leader. With support from his colleagues on the management team, Roshen successfully completed QQI Level 6 Leadership Programme.

Susan Lee
Hamilton Park Care Facility
Co. Dublin

Susan previously worked as a CNM in The Mater Hospital in a busy AMSSU after completing her Nursing studies in Kingston University in 2002 with Distinction, she then completed an AMP in acute medicine with honors. She moved roles to ADON in Hamilton Park in 2016 into the busy Acquired Brain Injury Unit where she works tirelessly to ensure her residents get the full entitlements and benefits they so richly deserve. She developed the Care Mapping system to keep the disability services up to-speed on the residents care. Susan consistently gives up her free time to ensure her residents get to fulfill life goals. Susan is also the Complaints Officer and Infection Control Officer of Hamilton Park

Kate Moloney
Clarenbridge Nursing Home
Co. Galway

Kate Moloney joined the Windmill Group in 2015 bringing energy, enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge from the Intellectual disability sector. In 2018, Kates grew into her role, which saw her progress to CNM 1, with further promotion to CNM II in 2019 through hard-work, commitment and strong leadership. Kate encapsulated all aspects of the resident’s health and social care needs through auditing and monitoring. Kate ensures residents lead a meaningful life and promotes the ethos ‘life is for living’. Kate’s ambition to enhance services she offers residents and possesses a post graduate diploma in Tissue Viability. She is focused on preventing unnecessary admission to hospital through enhancing her clinical skills. Kate’s gentle nature and passion has earned trust and dedication from staff ensuring the team gives each resident their total commitment.

Pauline Conlon
Sunhill Nursing Home
Co. Louth

Located in the village of Termonfeckin, Sunhill Nursing Home is a warm and friendly place not only to work but especially for our Residents. Team Lead Pauline Conlon is an exceptional Carer, ensuring that the ‘Baltray Unit’ is family and resident orientated. A calm and social atmosphere is evident on a daily basis.

Pauline advocates a person in centred care approach and has a pleasant and helpful manner. This is Pauline’s second year to be nominated for Carer of the Year. A testament to her exemplary care and dedication she has shown to her role in sunhill Nursing Home.

Joan Eignor
Clarenbridge Nursing Home
Co. Galway

Joan Eignor joined the Windmill Group in 2014. Joan was the main carer for both her parents prior to their transition into a Nursing home. Joan’s first-hand lived experience is invaluable to residents and their families as they start their new chapter in their new home.

Joan is a senior carer on the night shift. She believes life is precious at every hour and ensures life continues. Joan facilitates the creation of new memories. Joan excels as a team leader and supports her colleagues to deliver the highest quality of care. Joan supports every resident to engage and participate in their care and to support free movement. Joan is a source of comfort, calmness and support. Joan is an advocate, role model and true friend which is a key part of life in Clarenbridge Nursing home.

Áine Murphy
Moorehall Lodge Ardee
Co. Louth

Áine became a member of the team at Moorehall Lodge Ardee in August 2013 at the age of 17 on completion of a pre nursing course. Áine possess a fantastic engaging personality which comes into its own when caring for residents. Down to earth, open and supportive to her colleagues, she adopts a ‘can do’ approach thinking about the resident and always putting their wishes and aspirations first.

Áine is passionate about providing care in a place people can call home. Áine understands the importance of working with and supporting families to create a strong sense of home. Always willing to have fun, she takes innovative approaches to link families with residents using technology.

What makes Áine stand out from the crowd is her ability to emotionally connect with people. By doing this she enables people live their life to the full in a compassionate, professional and dedicated way always putting the resident first.      

Activities Team
CareChoice Malahide
Co. Dublin

The Activity team led by Ciara Smyth in 2019 are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the residents through provision and facilitation of a variety of engaging activities. The team visit residents throughout the home each morning for stimulating chat. The teams enthusiasm, energy and warmth means they work tirelessly supporting the residents in living a meaningful quality of life. The residents personal excitement, sense of pride and enthusiasm flourishes as the team always look to innovation to benefit the varying activity programmes. Ciara is reliable and an anchor member of the CareChoice Malahide Team.

Rois McDonagh
Central Park Nursing Home
Co. Galway

Rois is a caring and keen observer of life. Rois has studied CBT, NLP, SLP, Diplomas: Dementia Awareness, Counselling Skills Advanced, Activity Cert, and she continues to study all aspects of healthcare.

Rois believes that a nursing home is central to the community and promotes the core values of family and unity.

Rois encourages residents to maintain their independence and develops social inclusion programs that promotes wellbeing.
Rois took up the post of Activity Co Coordinator with Central Park in 2014 where she was promoted to Recreation Director in 2018. Rois leads a team of dedicated Activity Co Coordinators.

Madeline Syron
Sonas Nursing Home Moyridge
Co. Mayo

Madeline Syron is a native of Ballina, Co. Mayo. In 1997 Madeline emigrated to the USA and returned to Ireland in 2004 with a wealth of experience and knowledge of dementia and person-centred care. In early 2017 Madeline advanced to a specialist imagination gym programme and successfully completed her exams in 2019. Madeline is employed as an activities co-ordinator since 2017 and demonstrates significant warmth and energy in her role. Madeline excels with her exclusive concepts of creating the past into the present, activating memories and ensuring meaningful days for the residents.

Dolores Carr
Newbrook Nursing Home
Co. Westmeath

Dolores’ commenced her role in Newbrook Nursing Home in March 2000.

By mentoring staff Dolores has instilled her core values, ensuring staff provide the best possible care for residents. Her leadership has created a caring, compassionate work environment.

During hard times residents may not feel like eating but often find solace from a friendly face and a chat. Dolores always makes time to listen and provide support.

Dolores’ home baking is enjoyed by all, she often bakes cakes for special occasions in her free time.

This shows how much Dolores loves catering for and spending time with residents and generally loves looking after people.

Michael Murphy
Ferbane Nursing Home
Co. Offaly

Michael has been working as Head Chef in Ferbane Nursing Home since 2015.   He strives to ensure a person-centred approach is applied to each resident’s dining experience.  Michael and his team take great pride in involving residents in planning menus and have built a great relationship with everyone in the nursing home.

He meets with all residents when admitted to the nursing home to assist in their transition and liaises with the team to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for.

Michael always enjoys a party.  He will cater for all events in the nursing home.  His tea brack is famous among residents, staff and visitors.

Caroline Murphy-Doran
SignaCare Killerig
Co. Carlow

Caroline has been employed as Head Chef at SignaCare Killerig since it opened in 2016. Caroline holds a Diploma in professional cookery which she obtained in Waterford institute of technology in 1999 and has worked in Nursing homes for the past 13 years. She has a great passion for Desserts and home baking.

Caroline has also completed level 5 Nutrition and Allergens Course, and continues to engage in professional development providing Residents and staff with Nutritious food suited to their dietary requirements, she also updates menus regularly with the residents input.

Geraldine Brady
Portiuncula Nursing Home
Co. Westmeath

Starting with the company nineteen years ago, Geraldine moved to Portiuncula Nursing Home in 2012 and continues to be the ‘go to’ person today. As Administrator, she is the backbone of the home, the welcoming face and everyone’s support – residents, relatives and staff.

For residents, Geraldine coordinates a seamless admission with the personal touch. Advocate and friend, she instinctively knows when tea and a comforting chat is required. For families, Geraldine answers any question and is a calming influence in difficult times. And for staff, she supports and encourages, giving them confidence and motivation to be the best they can.

Ger Kingston
Bushmount Nursing Home
Co. Cork

Gerald Kingston born May 1956, father to Alison and Sam. He comes from a farming background. Gerald is a valued member of his community, involved in fundraisers and charity work, he has a strong passion for both sport and music. Lives life to the fullest and does everything with love and compassion. Gerald worked in construction all his life until he fell victim to a major stroke in 2012, with great willpower and determination he overcame the toughest time of his life. Since then he has worked in Bushmount Nursing home which he describes as the most satisfying and rewarding job he has ever undertaken.

Nicola Yau
Saint Joseph’s Shankill
Co. Dublin

Nicola Yau joined Saint Joseph’s Shankill in November 2018 as their Volunteer and Community Coordinator. To date she has recruited a volunteer team of over 100 who all enjoy ‘making moments matter’ for the people in Saint Joseph’s.

She instinctively matches volunteers’ talents and skills to suitable roles, which ultimately benefits them as well as the people who call Saint Joseph’s their home.

As far as Nicola is concerned the sky’s the limit for the Volunteer and Community Programme and she continues to innovate for the benefit of people living with dementia both in Saint Joseph’s and the wider community.

Activities Team
CareChoice Macroom
Co. Cork

Mary joined the team in CareChoice Macroom, Co. Cork in 2010. She now holds the position of Senior Activities Co-Ordinator.
Mary took the opportunity to explore the possibility of connecting with the wider community. In those years many friendships have been fostered, regular encounters with gramophone circle, farming community, schools (both national and post-primary) and retirement groups. She remains passionate about the benefits to residents.
Mary is a strong advocate for residents at CareChoice Macroom and is proactive in developing and expanding services to residents in many varied and enriching ways.

Maria McGivney
Newbrook Nursing Home
Co. Westmeath

Here in Newbrook we firmly believe in the importance of creating strong links between the Nursing Home and the wider community.
When a resident resides in a Nursing Home, we believe it is vital that each individual feel empowered and encourage to continue to patriciate in the wider community. This relationship between the community and the Nursing Home allows residents to continue to feel valued and maintain a sense of purpose. In Newbrook one of our primary goals is to create positive initiates to ensure individuals can participate in the local community daily and explore new interests.

David Wallace & Grandpal Team
Elm Hall Nursing Home
Co. Kildare

The Grandpal Team at Elm Hall Nursing Home is made up of our amazing volunteers Ellen, Marie, Marian, Yvonne, Colette, Avril, Vincent, Cathy, Eilish, Lynne and Aileen supported and co-ordinated by David (our Director of Nursing) and Brian from Grandpal. The team have so far delivered over 300 hours of 1 to 1 social visits with a range of activities from football to aromatherapy to the residents at Elm Hall. Grandpal has mobilised and supported our team of community volunteers to enhance the lives of residents and in turn they have made lasting inter-generational friendships. We’re now continuing on to recruit more Grandpals and change more lives together.

Anne Fraher
SignaCare New Ross
Co. Wexford

Anne has over 26 years working in older persons services and currently works in Signacare as Quality manager.

Anne has a keen interest on the effects of the older person relocating into Long Term Care and has initiated programmes to ensure that residents relocating with a diagnosis of Dementia have a smooth transition into Long Term Care.

Anne successively established a Dementia Quality Committee within Signacare New Ross which has transformed our centre both culturally and environmentally in the last year, with a focus on maintaining the independence of our residents and recognising that the care of each individual as a unique person is a cherished value within our centre.

Sinead Gilligan, Gordon & Derek Glynn
Kiltormer Nursing Home
Co. Galway

Sinead Gilligan is employed with Kiltormer Nursing Home and has 9 years experience as a Care Assistant. Sinead is the Activities Co Ordinator and is qualified as a Sonas Practitioner , Manual/Patient Handling Instructor and also a fire safety trainer.

Gordon Glynn is the manager of the family run Centre for the last 13 years. Gordon previously worked in banking for 10 years and finished up to help run the family business with his brother Derek.

Derek Glynn is the Director of Nursing and staff nurse of the family run Centre for the last 13 years. Derek previously worked as a psychiatric nurse in Dublin for 15 years.

Adrienne Horan
Dunlavin Nursing Home
Co. Wicklow

Adrienne joined Dunlavin Nursing Home in May 2018 and from the get go, embraced her role with a fiery enthusiasm.

Her creativity and vision for the home has led to the introduction of alternative activities such as chair yoga with local school children, meditation, and the creation of a rural themed dementia friendly garden – ‘pet therapy with a twist.’

Adrienne has opened the doors of Dunlavin Nursing Home to local clubs, choirs, ballerinas, musicians, schools and the wider community.
Adrienne’s mantra is very much ‘Inclusiveness is key in dementia care.’

Siobhan Carroll & Ceol Team
Sunhill Nursing Home
Co. Louth

Led by Siobhan Carroll clinical nurse manager who joined sunhill as staff nurse since 2010 and members of the care, activity and household team we strive to achieve excellence in EOL to our residents as they near the end of their journey in this life. 

To ensuring our residents EOL wishes are respected, we support them and their families in this journey. Siobhan liaises with the GP and palliative team to ensure a peaceful passage from this life happens. 

Sunhill joined A journey of change in 2015 and now has 12 members in our CEOL team who hold regular meetings and review meetings following the passing of a resident. 

Colette McDonald
SignaCare Killerig
Co. Carlow

The End of Life team at SignaCare Killerig is led by the Clinical Nurse Manager Colette Mc Donald who has a Higher Diploma in Palliative Care. Colette leads the coordination of the multi- disciplinary team and involves wider community supports to ensure each resident and their family is supported and provided with the best quality care. Colette has introduced hospice friendly initiatives which encourage both staff and residents to have a more open attitude towards death and dying and through early identification and resident participation allows residents and their families to plan ahead and ensuring each of their needs and wishes are met. Colette and the team continuously reflect on past experiences and family feedback and plan for future quality improvements to ensure the quality care each of our residents deserve at End of Life.

Elmer Waters & Team
Conna Nursing Home
Co. Cork

Set in a beautiful rural location, Conna Nursing Home is surrounded by a close supportive community. It offers a person centred approach for all residents and those who may require End of Life Care. The entire Conna Nursing Home team, the residents and their families all participate in giving quality care to our residents during this time. They focus on each resident as a unique person who has had a life to celebrate and they continue this celebration at their community remembrance mass set in the home each year.

Seán Cassidy
Portiuncula Nursing Home
Co. Westmeath

Local man, Sean Cassidy, moved into Portiuncula Nursing Home, Multyfarnham, Westmeath in 2013. In his own words ‘it saved my life coming here’. Physically and mentally, Sean has overcome his demons with the help of nursing home staff who he can’t praise enough.

Sean has made his own community in the nursing home and he involves himself as much as he can. He is involved in making and selling crafts, he is an advocate for the other residents, helps new residents adapt, and organises events and trips out. He has made a real success of life in the nursing home.