Transcript Ciaran McGroarty

MR McGROARTY:  Hello, my name is Ciaran McGroarty and I live at home with my sister Sheila.

Watching James Bond, listening to Elvis Presley, reading books, going for a glass of Guinness.  I enjoy drawing pictures and writing stories in my copy book.

Work options.  I enjoy going to Green Street, Monday to Friday, and meeting my friends and going out for coffee.  I enjoy pottery classes, using computers, tennis, on the Fridays.

I used to live with my mum and dad, but they passed away and are now my guardian angels.  When this happened I was heart broken, scared and confused.  I worried who would take care of me.  I wanted to stay in my own home that I love and feel safe and secure in.

My family are very important to me.  My brother David, my sister Aine, my sister Sheila, my nephew Devin.

MS McGROARTY:  Hello, I'm Sheila, I'm Ciaran's sister Sheila and I've been working with St. Michael's House since we lost our parents last year.  Basically the process, we contacted our social worker for Ciaran in St. Michael's House and had to request an emergency family meeting to figure out what we were going to do with Ciaran, who was living with my parents obviously at the time.

We had to devise, there was no residential available at the time that would be able to cater for Ciaran's needs, myself, my brother and sister all work full‑time and we're not in a position to look after Ciaran on a full‑time basis, so when we met with the social worker we discussed a homecare package and this was suggested by the social worker, so as a family for Ciaran we discussed what was best for his needs.

He goes to Green Street and work options Monday to Friday, from 10 till 4 and then in the evening time he comes home to his house and that's where we need the support person to be there to cater for his needs in the evening.

We sat down as a family, we identified what support level was need to enable Ciaran to remain living at home in his environment and we submitted a package to the HSE, requested 30 hours per week in order to enable Ciaran to get support to enable living at home.  This process was submitted by St. Michael's House and we were fortunate to receive funding from the HSE.  That was granted to us and has been in action for the last 12 months and has worked out quite successfully for Ciaran, who is now continuing to live at home.  So I'll let Ciaran take it back and tell you about himself.

MR McGROARTY:  I have my own side entrance door.  I have my own bedroom.  I have my own bathroom with toilet and shower.  I have my own sitting room.  I have my own utility room.  I share the main kitchen with my sister.

Main carer, Liz.  Every morning from 8 to 9am I have a carer come to help me get me up and ready for Green Street.  Every evening I have a carer from 5 to 10pm to help me in the evenings with dinner, cleaning, showers, food shopping, talk about my day and get ready for bed.

My morning routine.  My carer helps me with the following.  Wake up, get up and make bed, deodorant, after shave, shave in the mirror, comb hair, clean underpants, clean socks, clean vest, clean shirt, jumper, trousers and tie.  Breakfast, cup of tea, brush teeth, mouth wash one minute, backpack, leave 9 o'clock a.m.

Check‑list before leaving the house.  My carer reminds me about the following:  Purse with money for travel pass, keys, mobile.  I bring a hanky with me, a hat, keep warm, keep well, spare socks and gloves.

My evening routine.  My carer helps me with the following:  Dinner and cup of tea, help clean up, use laptop, listen to music, draw pictures, read a book.  Clean towel, shower and wash hair, dirty clothes utility room, pyjamas, watch a bit of TV.  Hot drink 9 o'clock, brush teeth, mouth wash one minute, bedtime, sleep well Ciaran.

My weekend.  Host family scheme with Anne Quinn.  My carer helps me to pack my bag.

MS McGROARTY:  This is just a check‑list of all the things that Ciaran needs to do every time he goes away at the weekend, we won't go into detail.

MR McGROARTY:  No, no we won't.  I won't.

MS McGROARTY:  It's a reminder for the carers and Ciaran is supposed to help with reminding them also.

MR McGROARTY:  Twice a month I enjoy going to Anne Quinn's for a weekend break.  After Green Street on Friday I get the bus to Raheny and walk to her house.  She lives in Raheny with her dog Sophie.  We have lots of things in common.  She likes art and watching movies.  We go for walks in the park.  We go into town on social outings.  We go out for coffee and a chat.  She knew my mum and dad and understands when I feel sad.  She drives me home on a Sunday evening.

Host family scheme.  Visit churches, walks in St. Anne's Park, taking the bus into town.

I like living at home in Clontarf where I feel safe and secure.  I like meeting my neighbours who are friendly and helpful.  I like going to the local shops where I know the staff.  I like going to the local pub and coffee shop and meeting people.  I like getting my 130 bus in and out of town independently.  I like my carers who look after me during the week.  I like being around my family and talking about my mum and dad.  Thank you.