"A gift to help people continue their journey in life."

Cloughreagh – a new name for me, what an amazing welcome on arrival. Smiling faces, calm voices, open door and a wheelchair ready for me. A beautiful room, nothing amiss, a splendid view from the window, nature in all shades of green, the branches gently blowing in the wind.

I was struck by so many elderly people living on their own referred here from hospital or their GP. They are enabled and challenged to take a risk with love and care to gain self-confidence, belief in themselves and with an optimism that life can be enjoyed.

Professional staff in their various dress colours treating each person in a relationship of respect and dignity, giving time to listen attentively to each one with a calm manner always encouraging with passion.

The demanding schedule is facilitated by good communication and camaraderie among the staff who are always cheerful and observant.

The food is delicious, attractive and varied, hot and served with grace, there is always a choice. Sundays are special, there is always a happy buzz in the dining room. Tables are arranged in small groups where one can share a poem, tell a story, a reminder of younger days and have a good laugh. The lovely hot cup of tea or coffee is much appreciated in the day room with a choice of biscuit. Not forgetting special treats of ice-cream, a chocolate or a piece of cake.

Weather permitting half an hour in the garden in wheelchair or with zimmer frames, a breath of fresh air in the beauty of nature. Flowers, shrubs, wildlife fluttering in the trees under a canopy shaded from the sun.

The staff are amazing, their dedication and hard work for each individual carried out with love, encouragement and optimism that words cannot express.

May God bless your work and hold you all in the palm of his hand.

What a wonderful discovery is Cloughreagh Rehabilitation Home

A gift to help people continue their journey in life.