HSE and Kilkenny libraries launch “Handy Helps” for older people

“Handy Helps”, a joint initiative involving the HSE’s Primary Care Occupational Health services locally and the Kilkenny County Library Service, was launched recently.

The Launch took place in Loughboy Library Kilkenny and was attended by representatives of the HSE and Kilkenny County Council, including the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh and the Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District Cllr. John Coonan.

The “Handy Helps” collection is a practical resource designed to support older members of the community to live more independently in their own homes. It includes a variety of small aids and appliances available to borrow from the library.

This initiative forms part of Kilkenny County Council Library Service’s Age Friendly Programme and underlines the library’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community wellbeing.

The collection consists of a range of carefully selected aids and gadgets that assist with everyday tasks and activities. These items are grouped into three themed ‘Handy Helps’ packs: Culinary Aids, Mobility Aids and Social Aids. Each pack contains several items and is loaned as a single unit, allowing borrowers to try the aids in their own homes for up to eight weeks. Among the items that can be borrowed are long reachers, jar openers, sock aids, adapted cutlery and car door grab handles.

The Handy Helps items will be available to borrow from Loughboy, Mayfair, Thomastown and Castlecomer library branches.

Speaking at the launch, Regina Doyle (Occupational Therapy Manager, Carlow-Kilkenny Community Services, HSE) said:

“The HSE are delighted that the ‘Handy Helps’ items will be available to borrow from four branches in Co. Kilkenny and we hope to see the collection extended to more branches in the future.”

“Our Occupational Therapy department assisted in the selection of the aids that they felt would be most useful in supporting people to overcome difficulties they may have with simple daily tasks, such as putting on your socks or opening a jar. We also created guideline documents to place in each pack, to ensure people get best use of the aids they choose to borrow.”

“The ‘Handy Helps’ collection complements the work of the HSE’s Primary Care Occupational Therapy department in helping people live as independently as possible and it aligns with the HSE strategy to support people to live longer, healthier lives through prevention and self-care.”

“The project has been an exciting integration of services and was rolled out by Regina Doyle (Occupational Therapy Manager), Bronagh O Leary (Senior Occupational Therapist), Grace Brophy (Senior Occupational Therapist), Kiva Sammon (Staff Grade Occupational Therapist) and Clodagh O’ Dwyer (Staff Grade Occupational Therapist) with the support of Community Healthcare Network Managers Lynn Chadwick and Lorna Hogan.”

“The HSE’s Occupational Therapists are providing education talks in each of the branches to promote use of this collection and to provide information on maintaining independence as we age. Talks were held already in the Mayfair and Castlecomer branches, with talks arranged for Thursday 25th of June at 10.30 in Loughboy and Friday 26th of June at 10.30 in Thomastown.”