Day Care Services for Older Persons opens in the Joe & Helen O'Toole, Community Nursing Unit, Tuam

On 3rd June, 2025 the Joe & Helen O'Toole, Community Nursing Unit (CNU), Tuam opened its doors for the first time to Day Care Services. 

The day service now operates Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30 am to 16:00 pm with a Dementia specific day care on Wednesdays.  Currently up to 10 people attend each day (up to 5 for Dementia Day Care), benefiting from a variety of activities tailored to their individual preferences. These activities include music, dancing, bingo, card playing, poetry, art, arts & crafts, chair exercises, etc.

Sini Varghese, Director of Nursing explained; “The Day Care Centre for Older Persons provides much needed vital service to our community.  It is at the heart of the wellbeing of our community and plays a critical role in supporting families and individuals in need of specialised care.  It  provides a welcoming environment where those attending can receive the high-quality, compassionate services and support that they need.”

Facilities at the HSE Day Care Centre consists of a large day room, kitchen, office area, access to the gardens and roof top garden.  Catering is provided by the kitchen in the CNU.  Transport is available to assist attendees to access this important community resource. 

Referrals for the service can be made through the local Public Health Nurse and GP.

Amrutha Abraham, Staff Nurse who organises the service said; “Day centres are fundamental to the health and well-being of our older population and play a key role in enabling older people to live independently in their own communities.  We are delighted to be offering this service in the Joe & Helen O'Toole, Community Nursing Unit for the people of Tuam and surrounding area.”

Attendee Brendan Gilligan stated; “I meet like-minded people.  I get on fine.  I like to support the day care as it is near me.”

New to attending day service, Mary Mahon said; “It is a great outing. I am new to the Day Centre.  Before this, I might not have seen anybody for days.  I have made lots of new friends.  I enjoy crafts, exercise and the company.”

Mary Lawlor stated; “It is a lovely day out.  I look forward to meeting my new friends.”

Bridie Miskell commented; “We are like a little community”.