REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HAVEN WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2000
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HAVEN WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2000
Is mór an pléisiúir dom bheith anseo i bhur measc inniu. Go raibh míle maith agaibh as ucht bhur bhfáilte chaoin.
As patron of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland it is a great pleasure for me to join you today to officially open the aptly named ‘The Haven’ and I would like to thank Martha Tynan for the kind invitation.
This centre has been in operation for just over a year and in that short time it has provided much needed support for families whose loved ones suffer from Alzheimers. It has been said of this distressing condition that the patient suffers from the disease and the family suffer from its effects. We know that while it is vitally important to care for the patients, it is equally essential that we care for the carers - those who bear the double burden of twenty-four hour care for their loved one and of seeing that same loved one lose vitality and memory, lose that essence and colour of their character – the very things that make them the unique individuals that you love. It is a heartbreaking burden and it takes its toll on carers and families as you try to cope as best you can as this disease takes those you love away from you.
That is why a centre like this is a godsend. Here in this haven, you have created a home, a place of comfort where carers can leave a loved one secure in the knowledge that they will be well looked after while they themselves get a much needed break to do the normal everyday things the rest of us take for granted. Simple things like shopping, spending time with their families or indeed catching up on much needed sleep.
I would like to pay tribute to the small band of determined and devoted workers who have turned this small piece of property into The Haven. To the management committee headed by Mary Jordan. Mary and her sister Breeda’s own beloved mother suffered from Alzheimers and has sadly passed away recently. Your own intimate knowledge of the pressures on carers has served to deepen your commitment to fellow carers and serves to enhance the services offered by The Haven. Great thanks is also due to the office and nursing staff and the care workers. Each of you has demonstrated true commitment and dedication to those in your care and your help to their family members is deeply appreciated.
Today you can look on your achievements here with great pride and a sense of real accomplishment. Because of your devotion and your commitment you have made a real difference to the lives of so many people. This haven, this little piece of heaven, is the culmination of the dedicated work of a number of people, many of whom are here to celebrate this official opening today. I know some of you were involved with the renovations or with the planning and landscaping of the beautiful garden. Whatever your contribution, you gave of yourself, your time and your energy to help others. To each and every one of you a heartfelt thanks for your contribution.
I am delighted to officially open The Haven and I would like to wish you well with your work in the future especially in your endeavours to increase the Centre’s services.
Mo bhuiochas libh arís. Go maire sibh.