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Professor Ristéard O’Laoide National Director National Cancer Control Programme, Noreen O’Flaherty (Programme Facilitator Recovey Haven), Dr. Dominika Lisiecka (MTU), Minister for Education Norma Foley, Chairperson of Recovery Haven Tim McSwiney, Orla Keenan (Programme Participant), Siobhan McSweeney, Client Service Co-ordinator at Recovery Haven and Louise Mullen (NCCP) at the launch of the findings of the project at Recovery Haven on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
RECOVERY Haven Kerry and Munster Technological University have launched the findings of their collaborative research project which was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Recovery Haven’s Building Better Caregivers (BBC) Self- Management Programme for carers of those with cancer in Ireland.
This programme was developed by Stanford University and in 2020, recognizing the isolation and distress of carers due to the Pandemic, Recovery Haven Kerry set about adapting it for use specifically with family members of those with cancer in Ireland.
It offers support and practical advice to those dealing with a cancer diagnosis of a loved one, family member or friend.
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It covers topics such as communication skills; staying well and getting a good night’s sleep; tools for managing fatigue; dealing with challenging emotions and behaviour and getting help and action planning. The programme is delivered online over a six -week period.
The purpose of the research was to evaluate how effective BBC is and if any changes were required to customise it for use in Ireland.
At the launch of the findings of the project at Recovery Haven on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The MTU Research Team comprised of Dr. Gerardina Hartnett, Dr. Michael Hall, Dr. Dominika Lisiecka and Ciara O’Sullivan worked with Siobhán McSweeney and Noreen O’Flaherty from Recovery Haven to carry out the research which was funded by the National Cancer Control programme.
The research findings concluded that the BBC is very helpful and relevant in an Irish setting.
It provides an opportunity for participants to meet other people in a similar caring role, which was seen as very important in terms of support and feeling less alone.
Participants had greater awareness of what they could do for themselves to help them in their caring role.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Tim McSwiney Chairperson Recovery Haven Kerry, thanked the NCCP for its’ support of the research and the MTU for undertaking it.
He spoke about the importance of caring for those who care for others- when a cancer diagnosis is given, it affects not only the individual themselves but also their family.
The event took place with the Minister for Education Norma Foley TD in attendance, along with Professor Ristéard O’Laoide and Louise Mullen from the National Cancer Control Programme, Chief Officer of the HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Tess O’Donovan, Michael Moriarty, General Manager, Primary Care Manager in Kerry, the MTU Research Team, Marian Barnes, Honorary President of Recovery Haven and Ms. Orla Keenan, participant as well as Board members and staff of Recovery Haven.
Recovery Haven Kerry will be providing the Building Better Caregivers Programme online again in the New Year. For further information please contact reception@recoveryhavenkerry.com or ring 066 7192122.
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