TV3 explores Irish nursing homes in moving new series ? ?Home from Home?.

TV3 GROUP RELEASE

IMMEDIATE: Monday 1st December, 2014

 

 

TV3 explores Irish nursing homes in moving new series – ‘Home from Home’.

 

Taking an observational approach to life in a nursing home, the first episode visits Moorehall Lodge, in Ardee.

 

Moorehall has broken away from traditional approaches to nursing home care and abolished any signs of institutionalisation such as drug trollies, name tags and more visually, staff uniforms.

 

Following her husband’s diagnosis with dementia, Geraldine Farrell says: “Moving Jimmy [to Moorehall] was the toughest decision of my life. I didn’t want to let him go, but, I had to.”

 

 ‘Home from Home’ airs Wednesday 3rd December at 9pm on TV3.

 

Interviews are available on request.

 

TV3 will this Wednesday air Home from Home, a new two-part documentary based on two nursing homes in Ireland - Moorehall Lodge, located in Ardee, Co. Louth and Glenaulin Nursing Home in West Dublin. Taking an observational approach to life in a nursing home, TV3 will highlight the words and actions of charismatic residents, hardworking staff and supportive family members.

 

This character driven series promotes awareness and appreciation for the older, and often overlooked, generation. Making a mockery of their “Blue rinse brigade” label, the residents of each home evoke heartfelt emotion and unmissable entertainment on equal leverage. TV3’s newest documentary sees these ‘salt of the earth’ characters share stories that future generations will never have the pleasure of experiencing.

 

Along with an insight to their past, viewers will also witness their present through a host of different daily routines and activates. Although the warmth of this programme outweighs the inevitable sadness, it is a powerful and thought provoking watch. Along with observing highs, an in-depth look at the realities of living in a nursing home is documented.

 

The first episode of TV3’s new two part, documentary series, is based in Moorehall Lodge, located in Ardee, Co. Louth. With a modern outlook Moorehall has broken away from traditional approaches to nursing home care and abolished any signs of institutionalisation such as drug trollies, name tags and more visually, staff uniforms. 

 

Having embarked on this culture change seven years ago, Moorehall have also divided what was once, the main building, into four separate houses. As specialists in dementia care, the houses were created with the intent of focusing attention on those who need it most, their residents. There is only one house which caters for people who don’t have a diagnosis of dementia. The other three are dementia specific and filled with residents at different stages of their illness.

 

The story of how Monica Boland came to live in Moorehall Lodge is told through her husband Harry. A lot has changed since the couple met in 1960. When Monica was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003, Harry had no idea of how much Monica’s illness would impact on their lives. Initially, he didn’t realise its seriousness and had no idea of the journey ahead.

 

Harry discusses the journey they’ve been on since Monica’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s: I wasn’t aware of the condition of Alzheimer’s. I didn’t know what was ahead of me. And we lived on, we attended clinics and then her condition changed. Her Alzheimer’s escalated and she was taken into the psychiatric hospital in Ardee. That was not a good experience. And then they felt they could do no more for her and I had to find accommodation in a nursing home. I toured all the nursing homes in Co. Louth and some are reluctant to take people with Alzheimer’s. One particular one interviewed me and when I mentioned the word Alzheimer’s they said “No, we’re not interested.” Along with sharing his personal story, Harry also expresses views on raising awareness for dementia care.

 

Flying the same flag is Geraldine Farrell, wife of Jimmy who’s been living in the advanced Alzheimer’s house for four years. Following Jimmy’s diagnosis with Lewy Body, a form of dementia, Geraldine says: “Moving Jimmy was the toughest decision of my life. I didn’t want to let him go, but, I had to.”

 

Viewers will see how Geraldine’s love for Jimmy hasn’t aged a day, despite meeting him at the tender age of 14 and standing by his side for 54 years. Concluding their story Geraldine says: “Life has changed, ‘cause you know you’re never going to get your husband back. He can’t come back to live with me. Imagine after your children get married and you have your husband at home with you, and then you’re left with nobody. You’re at home on your own. The nights get very lonely.  If you’re really true to yourself, there is no cure for it and you’re losing the one you love. Jimmy retired when he was 62 and we should have been having fun then like going on holidays. Then Jimmy had a hip replacement and then a heart attack and then after that all this [Alzheimer’s] started coming on. It’s just as if Alzheimer’s takes your life away. It steals what we should have had. These are the golden days and we can’t have them.”

 

‘Home from Home’ airs Wednesday 3rd December at 9pm on TV3.

 

Images have been sent to your picture desks  

 

ENDS

 

For further information
Ciara Byrne – Press Officer – 01 419 3329/087 319 9732

Jean O’Donovan – Press & Publicity Assistant – 01 419 3428

Sharon McHugh – Head of Press & Publicity – 087 922 4143

publicity@tv3.ie                        
www.tv3.ie

 

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