On the 19th October, 2018, Minister for Disabilities Finian Mc Grath T.D., officially opened Antoine House, and Sli na Daoine, at Drumillard, Castleblayney, Co.Monghan to support people with disabilities and their families
Officiating at the opening Minister Mc Grath stated “I want to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to make sure Antoine house and Sli na Daoine happened and opened. A number of volunteers gave selflessly of their time and resources over the past 25 years to get these marvellous new buildings we see here today. Volunteers are one of the most valuable resources a community can have. I am very pleased that I have been able to both build upon significant existing resources and obtain additional funding for disability services. I want to thank my Cabinet colleague Minister Heather Humphreys for her support on this project. This has enabled the long standing working relationship Cavan Monaghan HSE Disability Services enjoys with Castleblayney Care to build a community home for people with disabilities.”
Antoine House is run by the HSE, it provides 24 hour nursing care and currently accommodates up to 5 adults from 18 years upwards, with an intellectual disability. The residents moved to their new home in July 2018. The home can support individuals with associated complex needs i.e. physical disability, epilepsy, autism or challenging behaviour and those who require personal care support needs. The house has been developed as a five bedroom home in order to offer those who come to live here the maximum opportunity to live within a family environment as close to family life as is possible. The residents of the house are supported by a defined compliment of nursing and care staff under the supervision and support of the Clinical Nurse Manager 2. An on-call support service is also provided.
Antoine House is part of a group of 11 houses, called Sli na Daoine that provide semi-independent living for people with disabilities. All of the houses were built by Castleblayney Care Housing Association. A voluntary organisation who strive to support children and adults with learning and physical disabilities along with their families. The HSE Cavan/Monaghan Disability services have a long standing working relationship with Castleblayney care. The other ten houses are owned and run by Castleblayney Care Housing Association.
Chairperson of Castleblayney Care Housing Association stated “This project has been a long time in the making and today is the culmination of many years of hard work by the Committee and we hope that all of the residents will enjoy a long and fruitful life here in Sli na Daoine.”
John Hayes, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan & Sligo)stated “By opening this facility Cavan and Monaghan Disability Services provided an opportunity enabling two service users residing outside the state to move back to their home county, whilst creating an opportunity for a number of existing residents to move to a living environment better suited to meet their needs and in line with their expressed personal goals. This development also has the potential to have a positive impact on reducing the emergency residential waitlist.”
