A new fire safety training programme specifically designed for home care workers could soon be rolled out throughout Ireland having been developed and piloted in County Clare.

Developed by Ennis-based Caring for Carers Ireland (CFCI) in partnership with Clare County Fire & Rescue Service, the programme is aimed at improving fire safety and home security for people who are living independently and in need of medium to high caring support.

The first training session took place at Ennis Fire Station at the weekend, and involved the participation of community-based staff of Caring for Carers Ireland who are providing the organisation’s Home Care Service to families in their own homes.

Presenting certificates to 12 participants in Ennis at the weekend, Cllr John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council spoke about the importance of organisations working in partnership and the added benefits of such working partnerships. He also praised the work undertaken by Home Care Workers and how important it is to local communities.

“This training programme is the first of its kind in the country and Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is delighted to be part of it. It is envisaged this programme could soon be rolled out in many more counties throughout Ireland based on the success of the Programme in County Clare to date,” commented Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Fire & Rescue Service.

“Recognising the importance of Fire Safety in the Home and especially the risk to older people of injury or death, CFCI consider this training to be an important part of the overall training provided to Home Care Workers,” commented Brigid Barron, Innovation & Programme Manager, CFCI.

“CFCI has always incorporated Fire Safety awareness in their services to Family Carers.  Additionally, through our work with Clare County Fire & Rescue Service we have endeavoured to install smoke detectors into the homes of older people throughout County Clare along with the panic button or pendant which is worn by each individual to be used in case of need for assistance or reassurance,” said Ms. Barron.

The newly developed training programme forms part of the ongoing training for Family Carers which is provided by CFCI throughout the County, and also includes Caring in the Home and IT training for Family Carers and older people. Other services provided by the organisation include a nurse-led Carers Clinic based in Ennis, a national network of 107 carers groups and a respite programme.

Earlier this year, CFCI merged with The Carers Association to form one dedicated national organisation for Family Carers. In the interim, Caring for Carers Ireland is continuing to offer existing services both locally and nationally.

For more visit www.caringforcarers.ie.

Picture: Family Carers and staff from Caring for Carers Ireland (CFCI) and members of Clare County Fire & Rescue Service pictured with Cllr. John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council (centre) at the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre in Ennis on Saturday.