Opening of Áit Shona Respite Centre, Co. Laois
September 2024
Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, formally opened Áit Shona in Co. Laois, Europe’s first specialist respite centre for both children and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
The registered provider of the centre is Resilience Healthcare, who are providing the service on behalf of the Health Service Executive. The facility is able to accommodate up to four people at a time.
The Minister said:
This service will provide individuals the opportunity to enjoy a much-needed break away without the worry of managing any difficulties associated with their condition, while giving carers a break also.
I know that Resilience Healthcare works hard to ensure the needs of each individual service user are met and that the staff that have the specialised skills and training necessary to provide services at the high standard we expect.
Resilience Healthcare already operate PWS focused residential facilities in Co. Wexford and Co. Kildare.
Their support teams are trained specifically in PWS and can recognise and support service users emotionally, physically, cognitively, behaviourally and socially
The opening of this facility is another step in the government’s commitment to the expansion of the provision of a wide range of respite services.
Minister Rabbitte said:
Respite has been and will continue to be a priority for me. The provision of respite is an essential support for children and adults with additional needs and their families and has a hugely positive impact on people’s lives.
I have secured additional funding in successive Budgets to provide more respite and we are continuing to see an expansion in all forms of day and overnight respite.
The facility here in Co. Laois is an excellent example of a new, innovative service that will greatly benefit service users and their families.
About Prader-Willi Syndrome
Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic multi-system disorder characterised during infancy by lethargy, diminished muscle tone (hypotonia), a weak suck, and feeding difficulties with poor weight gain and growth and other hormone deficiency.
Affected individuals do not feel satisfied after completing a meal (satiety).
Without intervention, overeating can lead to the onset of life-threatening obesity.
The food compulsion requires constant supervision. All individuals with PWS have some cognitive impairment that ranges from low normal