FAQ for families

Frequently Asked Questions from families of people using Rehab Group’s services

My family member attends a Rehab day service. When will the service re-open?

The service will re-open as soon as the emergency passes and we receive notification from the HSE that it is safe to do so. Hopefully we can all get back to normal as soon as possible.

Who should I contact if I have a problem at home?

Staff in all of our centres have been keeping in touch with the people who normally use our day services, residential services and respite services. If you are having any difficulties or are dealing with behaviour that you find challenging, please get in touch with the service your family member normally attends. We will support you as best we can

Are staff still working?

Yes although services have been scaled back, our staff are still working and are supporting people who need critical care on the frontline and those who use the service and their families by phone or by visiting.

How often should I expect a call/visit from the centre?

This will vary from centre to centre. Key-workers are making individual arrangements with each person who uses our services.

What is happening with National Learning Network? When will it re-open?

In line with Government instructions on schools, universities and childcare services, all National Learning Network training centres have paused face to face tuition until such time that we are told by the Government that we can return.

Our instructors are continuing to support all students on course work. There are many new systems being put in place to help with remote learning. Our staff team are available to support students by phone or on line, so please let instructors know if your family members are having any difficulties and they will set up contact with our psychologist or rehabilitation officer.

We are also using social media to stay in touch with people so please follow us on:

Facebook: @NLNIreland

Twitter: @NLNIreland

Instagram: @nlnireland

As soon as we are given a return date, we will be in touch with everybody.

My family members’ NLN exit date is approaching soon, what will happen with this?

National Learning Network operations teams will be working with the Education and Training Boards on an ongoing basis. If a student is due to exit one of our training programmes, NLN Staff will ensure these students who are due to complete their training programme and sit any necessary exams when the emergency has passed has the opportunity to do so. We will continue to support all students remotely at this time. Our Instructors are in regular contact with students and will update them accordingly.

Will NLN students keep their payments?

For the vast majority of students, payments will continue as if NLN students were on annual leave. So students will retain their basic training allowance but not the travel and meal allowances.

For those on employer-based training who are continuing their training, all allowances will continue to be paid.

. Residential and Home Support services - Will these stay open?

Our residential and home support services continue to operate as normal

I am really feeling the strain of having to cope all day long on my own with my family member - is there anyone I can talk to beyond the centre, for instance, a helpline?

Staff in your local centre are here for you. Please just call if you have these kinds of concerns and we will make a plan to support you.

The following national websites and helplines may also be helpful

HSE – The HSE website has lots of very helpful information for the public about the Coronavirus – see hse.ie. There is lots of helpful advice and information on issues including how to prevent the spread of the virus, at-risk groups, and how to deal with the pressures on our mental health at this time. Check out hse.ie ALONE, the organisation that supports older people, launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties during the coronavirus restrictions. The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. SeniorLine provides a Freephone service every day of the year 10am-10pm, including all public holidays. You can contact Senior Line on 1800 80 45 91

Mental Health Ireland has produced great resources to help protect mental health and well-being. Available here… https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/covid19/

Asthma Advice – 1800 445 464, Free call-back service available to people with asthma and the parents of young people with asthma

COPD Advice – 1800 832 146

Samaritans – 116 123 – If you are finding it difficult to cope, and need someone to talk to.

Pieta House – 1800 247 247 – If you need someone to talk to

Women’s Aid - 1800 341 900

Rape Crisis Centre – 1800 77 8888

Barnardos – Parent Support line, 1800 910 123, Mon-Fri 10am to 2pm

Citizens Information – 0761 07 4000 - For extensive information on income supports, entitlements etc.

My family member is very anxious about the emergency? What can I do to help ease her/his concerns?

Again, we as staff across all centres and services, are here to support you, so link in with us regularly and as needed to get practical support and advice.

The following link to the HSE website has some good advice on good approaches to mental health during this difficult time

https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/minding-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

Mental Health Ireland has produced great resources to help protect mental health and well-being. Available here… https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/covid19/

What do I do if my family member has to self-isolate?

In the link below (scroll to bottom of page), the HSE has some good advice on how to handle this situation.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/self-isolation-and-limited-social-interaction.html

My family member does not have the discipline to stay at home all day and occupy himself. I am also worried about his diet? What can I do to help her/him through this?

Again, please keep in touch with your centre and we will support you through this. Healthy Ireland has some tips on keeping a healthy diet that may be useful during this time.

I’ve heard that Local Councils are setting up support services for vulnerable people. What are the details on that?

Following are the helplines established by each local Council. They have been introduced to ensure that all vulnerable members of our communities affected by COVID-19 restrictions are appropriately supported. They can help with the following services:

· Collection and delivery of food, essential household items, fuel, medication in line with guidance

· Transport to community testing centres, clinical Assessment Hubs, GP and hospital appointments

· Social isolation, supports, engagement

· Meals and their delivery

· Other medical/health needs

Local authority, Community Response numbers

Local Authority Community Response Number

Carlow County Council 1800 814 300

Cavan County Council 1800 300 404

Clare County Council 1890 252943

Cork City Council 1800 222 226

Cork County Council 1800 805 819

Donegal County Council 1800 928 982

Dublin City Council 01 2228555

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown 01 2713199

Fingal County Council 01 890 5000

Galway City Council 091 536 400

Galway County Council 1800 92 8 894

Kerry County Council 1800 807 009

Kildare County Council 045 980 202

Kilkenny County Council 1800 500000

Laois County Council 1800 832 010

Leitrim County Council 071 9650473

Limerick Local Authorities 1800 832 005

Longford County Council 043 3344255

Louth County Council 1800 805 817

Mayo County Council 094 9064660

Meath County Council 1800 808 809

Monaghan County Council 1800 804 158

Offaly County Council 1800 81 81 81

Roscommon County Council 1800 200 727

Sligo County Council 1800 292 765

South Dublin County Council 01 4149043

Tipperary County Council 0761 06 5000

Waterford City and County Council 1800 250 185

Westmeath County Council 1800 805 816

Wexford County Council 053 919 6000

Wicklow County Council 1800 868 399