Travel Shop Ireland

The MS Care Centre opened in 1989 and provides short-term respite care and therapy services to people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions. The Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland and recognised throughout Europe as a Centre of excellence was established to:
Enable people with Multiple Sclerosis and other disabilities to continue living in the community by providing short-term care when families and carers are temporarily unable to provide care or are in need of a break.

Prevent people with disabilities from being unnecessarily placed in long-term care in institutions and hospitals which is often the result of crises brought on by continuous unaided care in the home.

Assist people in dealing with physical and emotional difficulties which can accompany a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis or any form of long term disability.

Care & Therapy Services
Creativity Release: helps you express your feelings through the use of paint, crayon, pencil or clay. The direction the work takes is very flexible and depends on the group. No previous experience of art is necessary.
Computer/Internet Cafe: was introduced to the centre in April 2002, there are two computers and one has internet access. Staff will assist beginners to this new service.

Continence Advice: specialist continence advice is available on an individual basis.

Counselling: the counselling service provides an opportunity to discuss, explore and get support for any personal problems or issues in strict confidence. In particular, it may interest residents to explore the impact of their physical condition on their lives, including sexual or other relationship difficulties which may arise. Help with stress management and relaxation skills is also available.

Disability Management: advice on the management of specific problems caused by disability with particular reference to residents and carers' coping at home with all aspects of daily living. Encouragement and advice are given on the importance of planning ahead.

Library: the library at present has books and articles on various subjects for the residents to borrow when staying at the care centre. This service is developing all the time. View our Audio Library Index

Massage Therapy: massage helps improve blood circulation and muscle on skin tone. It promotes deep relaxation and a sense of well-being. Massage is carried out in a resident's own room, for maximum comfort. Massage is not a medical treatment, but it is a subtle way of bringing about a sense of well-being and compliments our other therapies. A massage session can include the whole body, or can concentrate on a specific area, e.g. hands, shoulders, head.

Physiotherapy: physiotherapy sessions are aimed at improving and maintaining mobility and muscle tone where possible. Residents are seen on an individual basis and an appropriate programme for home is drawn up and discussed. A physiotherapist is available Monday to Friday.

Reflexology, Chiropody, Hairdressing and Beautician: these services are organised for residents by request. They are at an additional cost.

Whirlpool Bath: is available for residents who wish to use it. Care staff will assist with its use.

Yoga: an introduction to a specific technique for promoting physical and mental well-being. One session per week.

Residents care needs are met by care staff who have a wide variety of physical and emotional care skills. Members of the care staff that are nurses, provide 24 hour a day cover and a doctor is always on call, if required. Therapy services offered by the Care Centre are available by appointment, made following an information session soon after arrival. All therapy services are optional.

Newly Diagnosed with MS?
If you have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis you may like to avail of our Newly Diagnosed Week. This is run each year specifically for people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis within the last 5 years.
The aim of our Newly Diagnosed Week is to bring a group of people together where they can discuss their feelings in a safe environment and have some "craic" at the same time.

The weeks programme includes the therapeutic services always available at the Centre, and in addition there are presentations by expert speakers leading to discussions on topics including:

• Neurology
• Diet and Nutrition
• Information and Community Services
• Information on Entitlements

Continence Promotion
If you would like to attend a Newly Diagnosed Week at the Centre please make contact by letter, telephone or email and we will advise as to the availability of places.

Long Term Disability
The effects of long term disability on an individual and his or her family are often not fully appreciated. There can be a serious loss of income, a deterioration in physical and mental health and a gradual withdrawal from social and community life. Such situations impose great strains on individuals and families concerned particularly where community care support services are underdeveloped.
The MS Care Centre is an integral part of the essential support service network of home helps, domiciliary nursing care, personal assistance schemes, physical and occupational therapies, day centres and volunteer assistance schemes which are all required in order to make community care a reality.

Organise a Stay
The MS Care Centre accepts applications from people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions. In general, places are allocated in the order that applications are received. However, other factors including care needs of applicants are taken into account. Due to demand on places, we cannot guarantee more than 2 weeks in any one year.
What to do if you would like to stay at the MS Care Centre:

• Request a reservation form from the Care Centre either in writing or by telephone.
• Fill in the form and return, making sure that the medical practitioner section is completed by your doctor.
• A letter confirming your booking will be sent to you. As far as possible your chosen dates will be given to you. However, where this is not possible, alternative dates will be offered.
• Medical Card holders can apply through their Area Health Board for assistance towards the cost of their stay. This should be done before coming to the Centre.
• VHI or other private health subscribers are advised to confirm with their insurers that they are covered to stay at the Centre.

For people without Medical Card or private health insurance, the cost of a stay is €38.50 to €80 per day. All therapies, meals, etc. are covered by this. Some visitors to the Centre obtain sponsorship of the cost from other voluntary organisations, or from their local branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Only completed reservation forms will be considered. The Centre reserves the right