Cavan nursing home celebrates National Care Awards

Activities therapist Kathleen receives Overall Excellence Award.

A Cavan nursing home employee received the Overall Excellence Award at the Nursing Homes Ireland Care Awards.

Held in association with Homecare Medical Supplies, Kathleen Dunleavy, who fulfils the role of Activities Therapist at Esker Lodge was named overall winner.

Kathleen was amongst 24 finalists from counties and communities across Ireland who went forward for seven awards and the Overall Excellence Award.

Kathleen received her award before more than 300 nursing home, healthcare and social care representatives the awards ceremony in The Round Room at Dublin's Mansion House, on Tuesday, November 7.

RTÉpresenter Mary Kennedy was MC at the event.

Kathleen has been employed in Esker Lodge since 2004. The 82-year-old now works two days per week. She set up a men’s card club and a bridge club, playing herself, undertakes one-to-one chair exercises with residents, reads to them, sings, reads poetry, organises resident outings, and sits with them to lift their spirits.

Kathleen has also established a book club in Esker Lodge. When she could not visit during Covid-19, she wrote a letter every week that was read out to the residents to lift their spirits and provide comfort.