Launch CarePlus Carer of the Year Awards Wednesday 25th April: We are launching our 2018 CarePlus Carer of the Year Awards at a national ceremony in the Westin Hotel, Westmoreland Street this Wednesday 25th April. To coincide with the National launch CarePlus are holding coffee mornings for family carers in their pharmacies across the country and we are encouraging as many carers and staff to drop in to their local stores for coffee and goodies between 10.30 and midday. For a full list of CarePlus pharmacies see this link https://www.careplus.ie/pages/store-locator

Today’s announcement that Minister Harris has approved legislation for the extension of the GP visit card to all carers in receipt of Carers Allowance and Carers Benefit, whilst welcome, will only affect 14,000 full time carers. Family Carers Ireland are calling for a GP Visit Card to be available to all 100,000 full time carers in receipt of the non means-tested Carers Support Grant, and believe this to be a more equitable approach to recognising the enormous contribution made by all fulltime carers, not only those on a limited income. These carers have already passed rigorous assessment criteria demonstrating that they are providing full time care for a person in need of high level care. Failing to do so will mean that some 30,000 full time family carers will not benefit from the initiative, and will be a missed opportunity for Government to send a clear signal to all fulltime carers that they recognise the contribution they make and the impact that caring has on their own health and wellbeing” stated Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement, Family Carers Ireland . Extending the GP Visit Card to only carers in receipt of Carers Allowance goes against the approach taken with the over 70’s and under 6’s where the GP Card is granted universally regardless of income.

Are you a carer looking for fixed hours and work in your community that will suit your day to day life and commitments? Join our team – We are looking for experienced carers to care for people in their homes throughout South Tipperary. Ideally you will have QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support (Care of the Elderly and Care Skills) and previous experience caring for the elderly. Take the next step in your caring career – Call Richie at 052 6170455 or e mail your C.V. to rmolloy@familycarers.ie

Another Loss to People who do not want to do everything only Online ,Make your views know to AXA Head Office in Dublin

I would encourage people to see if you are registered to vote as a number of people have contacted me to say that their names were removed from the register without any notice. Go onto www.checktheregister.ie to see if you are registered to vote

Road Safety Alert – Yellow Weather Warnings for Heavy Rain 05 April 2018: The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads tonight and for much of Friday, as Met Éireann have issued yellow weather warnings for heavy rain. 30-50mm of rain is forecast for Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 6pm today until 3pm tomorrow. A yellow weather warning is also in place for 25-30mm of rain for Kilkenny, Wexford, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary between 6pm tonight and 3pm tomorrow. There is a risk of spot flooding. The RSA is asking road users to check national and local weather updates and to also check local road and traffic conditions before making a trip. The RSA has the following advice for road users: When driving in wet conditions, drivers are reminded that; · It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front · Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility · Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists · Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h · Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm. · Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility to ensure you are seen by other motorists With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice; · If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think · After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes · Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic · Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists; · Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt. · Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths. For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages. For further advice on driving on wet roads and flooded roads, please see our severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion on the RSA YouTube channel. For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie ENDS

Reminder that FCI and the HSE will host a workshop for family carers on the Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Act 2015 on morning of April 23rd in Dublin (HSE offices, Dargan Building, HSQ). The Director of the Decision Support Service Áine Flynn and Patricia Rickard Clarke a legal expert on the Act will attend the event so this is an excellent opportunity for families and carers to express their views and ask questions about this important legislation. A few places remain so if you know a carer who would like to attend please come back to me asap with their contact details and I will register a place for them.

Free energy efficiency work for vulnerable Environment Minister Denis Naughten has announced that elderly and vulnerable people whose homes are in poor condition will be given cash to have their walls insulated and windows replaced. Mr Naughten said he wanted to ensure that those who were unable to invest further in their homes are not left behind, and €24m will be put towards the scheme this year. Persons entitled to the funding include those in receipt of the fuel allowance, family income supplement, or one-parent family payment.

Happy Easter Everyone

The following Weather Advisory has been issued by Met Eireann at 15:00 hours Friday, 30-Mar-2018 A band of heavy rain in southern counties on Sunday night, will extend northwards overnight and during Monday, turning wintry with falls of sleet and snow in some areas. Valid from 18:00 hours Sun, 01-Apr-2018 Valid until 18:00 hours Mon, 02-Apr-2018 For Ireland Weather Advisory