RehabCare's 'home from home' opened by Miriam

RehabCare's new Children's Respite Service, at Philpottstown, Trim Road, Navan, was officially opened by RTÉ's Miriam O'Callaghan last Wednesday. The centre, which is the only one of its kind in the county, provides respite services for 72 children with disabilities from all over Meath. In partnership with the HSE, The Meadows Children's Respite Service will provide a residential and day respite service for children with intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities as well as those on the autistic spectrum, between the ages of six and 18 years. The service was initially opened in 2007 at a temporary location and, in 2010, moved to its new purpose-built premises. Capital funding for the project was provided by the HSE, with additional funding allocated by RehabCare through local and national fundraising activities. The Meadows follows the daily routine of any family. For many children, it is regarded as a 'sleep-over club' where they come to meet their friends in a safe environment that meets their needs. The service also provides a much-needed break for parents allowing them pursue other activities, spend time with family members or, in many cases, simply get a full night's sleep. The new facility, which is all on one level, is designed to meet the needs of all children with disabilities with adapted features such as push-button doors, movable beds and wide corridors to facilitate wheelchair-users. The centre has five bedrooms, a TV room, a playroom and a specially-designed Snoozelen Room which provides sensory intervention therapy using colour, light and sound. A sensory garden for the children is also being developed in consultation with the HSE's occupational therapy department. Speaking at the official opening, Miriam O'Callaghan said: "The Meadows is a unique place and it is my honour and privilege to be here today to officially this beautiful house. This is a home away from home for children with disabilites who deserve it more than anything. The Meadows is the type of place that defines us as a society. It's what we want Ireland to reflect," she said. Margaret Gillard, director of RehabCare, said the tailored facilities allow a continuation of the care provided for young people in their own homes. "The children also get to make some wonderful friends, try out some new activities and have a mini-holiday. The smiles on their faces tell it all. The sense of community goes far outside The Meadows and the work that RehabCare does in Meath would not be possible without the magnificent help and support of all our volunteers and fundraisers down through the years," she added. Louise Tinne, residential services manager, said there were currently 72 children accessing the service on a monthly basis, with each child receiving two nights per month. The service is made as flexible as possible to allow families to utilise their nights when it suits them best. "One of the most rewarding things for us as a staff team is when we hear that a family has attended an event that they wouldn't normally be able to, or that they have been away as a family with the other children, knowing that their child is being well looked after," she said. Gillian Phillips-Brown, whose daughter uses the service, said: "When my daughter goes to The Meadows, she's not going to 'respite', she's going for a sleepover with her pals. For parents of a special child, this is the stuff of dreams and wishes. For your child to participate in this rite of passage, that all other children take for granted, is simply magical. A home away from home, what more could I wish for." Penny O'Connell, children's disability services co-ordinator with the HSE in Meath, said: "On behalf of the HSE, and in particular the Meath Disability Services Team for six to 18 year-olds, I'd like to commend RehabCare for its dedication and commitment to the development of this vital project. The Meadows Children's Respite Service greatly enhances the supports and services that are available to families who have children with disabilities in County Meath."