b'The moment visitors walk into thebrightspaceofSt.LukesHome ,they realize it is unique. Specializing in care for older people with dementia and Alzheimers, the main corridor of St. Lukes is designednot as a typical nursing home, but as a main street. An art studio, a beautyparlor, and a dining area, all sport friendly store-front designs evokinga small town where residents can stop in and enjoy a class, a cup of tea,or a chat with a friend. For residents and day-visitors, and especially for those with dementia or Alzheimers, the unique design promotes atranquil home-like environment that calms and comforts.As well as caring for 128 residents, St. Lukes operates a Day CareCenter where older people who are still able to live at home, can alsobenefit from the social interaction and intellectual stimulation of a dayprogram.The program also provides a respite for families caring for anolder family member at home. Through a grant from The Ireland Funds,thedaycareprogramhasbeenextendedandisnowofferedone Saturdayamonthallowingfamiliesanadditionalweekenddayof flexible time while knowing their family member is receiving care.St. Lukes also operates the Northridge Education Centre whichprovides training not only for its own staff, but for others across Irelandthat are working and volunteering in the sector. It is unique in that it isthe only residential nursing home in Ireland with a dedicated educationcenter on-site. To date we have been able to offer courses and trainingto over 200 other nursing homes, hospitals and healthcare centers, saysDavid OBrien, Chief Executive Officer of St. Lukes Home. And werealso able to use the education space for other organizations in the community so were serving upwards of 300 people a week. In addition to running seminars and conferences to teach best practices to other nursing homes, the accredited staff of St. Lukes alsooffers programs for families in Cork. As part of its outreach objective,St. Lukes applied to The Ireland Funds for a grant to roll out a trainingprogram for family members looking after older relatives at home.Mindful that many family members often find themselves in a caringrole both part and full-time without the necessary skills, knowledge orexperience St. Lukes Home, with support from leading home careprovider Home Instead Senior Care put together a 3 hour workshopcovering practical age-related topics. These included: The ageing process Self-care for the carer Dementia and associated behaviours People handling skills and associated risks.The workshop was delivered by skilled professional tutors and offeredfamily carers the opportunity to learn and take part in an informal ques-tion and answer session. Thanks to funding from The Ireland Funds,twelve free workshops were held both on-site and offsite in Bishopstownand Mayfield for 130+ people who otherwise would have not been able toattend. Theres a huge sense of isolation for families caring for an olderrelative, says David.In so many ways they are on their own and in oureconomy there are very limited resources. So for us, providing educa-tion is transformative for these families. Its like the dropping of onestone into the pond.it does go everywhere. Thats our hope. TheIrelandFundsareproudtoplay a small role in the care of Corks oldercommunitythroughSt.LukesHome andsalutetheiruniqueapproachto education and support. connect2014 | 45'