Sue Ryder schemes
Jimmy Lawlor
(72 years of age)
"I lived in a Maisonette in Rathmoyle Abbeyleix for many years and in 2001 I got a stroke."
"I was hospitalised for three years and then I became well enough to go home. I was very nervous going back home on my own, so the Matron of Abbeyleix Hospital asked if I would like to go to Sue Ryder in Ballyroan. i decided to give a try and I must say it was the greatest decision I ever made."
"I have independent living and I receive my dinner every day, heating is supplied with 24 hour supervised care, alarm system, washing done every week and apartment cleaned out and there is nothing for me to do but get my breakfast and tea."
"I find the staff very supportive and they help out in every way possible. I was told before I came here that Sue Ryder would suit me and I must say it has stood up to its reputation."
Ballyroan/Horan’s House - Click here for a map
The first scheme developed by the Foundation was officially opened in September 1988, although we admitted our first Residents there in 1984.
The opening ceremony was performed by His Excellency, Dr. Patrick Hillery, President of Ireland. Lady Ryder came to Ballyroan on this momentous occasion. She was accompanied by Mr. R. I. Johnson from the Council of the Sue Ryder International Foundation.
It was with great pride that they together with the Chairman of the Foundation in Ireland watched President Hillery cutting the ribbon on the first Sue Ryder housing complex in Ireland.
The Sue Ryder complex in Ballyroan today is a settled community development where many happy residents have made and enjoying their homes.
Here, as in all other Sue Ryder Homes, there is a four course meal provided each day, ensuring a well balanced and healthy diet and creating a social occasion.
In Ballyroan, as elsewhere, there is a supervisor on site available 24 hours a day.
There are currently 22 houses in this development.
In 2001 the Foundation acquired the home of its former founding Board member Dr Bart Horan. Dr Horan was a well respected figure in the community and had been a member of the Sue Ryder Foundation Board for many years. His home was adjacent to the Ballyroan complex and provided an opportunity for the Foundation to deliver additional accommodation to the elderly in the area.
The house is presently being converted from a three bedroomed family home to four separate two bedroomed apartments. The Foundation hopes to have these ready to be let later this year.
They will make a fine contribution to the provision in Laois.
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Christina Doran "I went out and looked and No. 16 and fell for it straight away and I have not looked back since, it was a God send" |
"I lived 3 mile out side of Abbeyleix for the best part of my life. My son got married and I gave him my house and I went to live with my daughter. Everything was going fine until my daughter decided to go live in Newbridge and I did not want to leave the Abbeyleix area."
"My daughter was talking to a member of staff of Sue Ryder in the chemist in Abbeyleix and she told her she (the daughter) was looking for a Maisonette for her mother as she was moving on."
"It was mentioned to her why not come and look at Sue Ryder – which I had never thought about. The next day I went out and looked at No. 16 and fell for it straight away and I have not looked back since, it was a God send."
"It is a beautiful place to live with every convenience and the staff are most obliging and if I won the Lotto in the morning I would not leave it."
