Day Care & Resource Centre

Convent House Day Care Centre was founded in 2007. A local man, Barney Steele, initiated the idea of setting up a day care for the elderly in the local community along with Tom Trayers.

They looked around the area for a suitable facility. At the time the convent chapel was not in use so they approached the owners with their idea and they agreed. Funding was received from the HSE. The centre was officially opened by president Mary McAleese on 24th October 2008

To improve the quality of life of older people living in Ballymahon and its hinterland. It achieves this by delivering a range of personal, social and health supports to maintain and support the physical, emotional and social well being of each older person attending the centre. The centre provides a social and recreational outlet for persons over 55, catering for both men and women, up to 100 clients each week. People meet at the centre on a daily basis and a hot lunch is provided each day Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Transport to and from the centre is provided by SWRTA forthose who need it. Podiatrist, Patrick  Durkin
attends the centre every 3 months.

Daily:

Daily activities – Monday to Thursday Bingo and cards each day after lunch

Weekly:

Weekly activities skittles, rings and have chair exercises.

Monthly:

Singing – Sing- a- long with Conor McCauley. Singing has been proven to be beneficial to both physical and mental well being.

Music – Music and dancing with local musician Tony Moran.

Crochet – Crochet classes, quilt making etc.

Yoga – Promoting peace of body and mind.

Nature – Flower arranging demonstrations.

Art – Art classes in the autumn funded by Longford /Westmeath ETB with tutor Angela Tuite. Angela has taught many dierent forms of art to our clients including art on slate, glass, book markers and Christmas cards.

Various guest speakers on relevant subjects for the elderly, safety in the home etc.

In 2013 and 2014 we held a 12 week photography project funded by Longford/Westmeath E.T.B. Both projects resulted in a photography exhibition and showing of their animation created by the clients in the centre during the Bealtaine Festival. The clients, assisted by Transition Year students from Mercy Secondary School, made all of their characters for the animation from plasticine. Both projects are still on display in the centre. In 2014 we held 6 weeks dance classes with tutor Victoria Walker funded by Go For Life. Dances included Disco, Bollywood, Salsa and more. Victoria will be joining us again this year for more classes, dates to be agreed.