‘There’s always a happy atmosphere at Rose Cottage’

A DAY centre in Tallaght for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s is now taking on new clients, after recently reopening following the pandemic.

Called the Rose Cottage, the service is based in Tymon and currently has six clients on its books – with potential for them to take on more.

The clients attend the centre three times a week, from the morning to the early afternoon, where they socialise and engage in a variety of stimulating activities.

The three staff of the centre, namely carers Samantha Gallagher and Ann McAuley, and newly appointed manager and carer Marta Gorska, get great satisfaction from helping the clients.

Ms Gallagher, who lives in Tymon and has worked in Rose Cottage for the last five years, told The Echo: “I love it, because every day is different.

“I think it’s important for them to go out, because I saw some people go downhill during Covid because they weren’t getting out.

“They need to get out, and I think it’s about getting out and doing something different – and it’s important for their family carers as well.”

The clients’ attendance at Rose Cottage gives some well needed respite to their family carers, and also helps to establish a new routine for the clients.

When they’re in Rose Cottage, clients get to engage in activities like bingo and listening to music, and reminisce about the past with the other people who attend the service.

“The clients come in at 10 for tea and biscuits, and then we do activities like bingo, listening to music or having a singalong,” added Ms Gallagher.

“There’s always a happy atmosphere, and we aim to give them normal activities and some fun – it’s a really happy place.

“While they might not remember their time here, I know that when they get to Rose Cottage they enjoy it.”

The service currently operates a three-day service, from Monday to Wednesday, but is hoping to return to the five-day service it previously had before the pandemic.

In order to secure funding to do this, they need to ascertain how much demand there is and are encouraging people to consider referring people to the service if they think it would benefit them.

“I’d say people should give it a try,” said Ms Gallagher. “We cater for people with dementia and Alzhemier’s and for all of their interests.

“It’s a great place. I absolutely love it and we’re open three days a week now – but if we get more people we could open for more days.”

It should be noted that transport is not currently provided for clients who attend Rose Cottage and will have to either be provided or organised by family members.

To enquire about Rose Cottage, contact manager Marta Gorska on 085 856 6468.

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