A Filipina nurse in Cork who now runs a recruitment agency and a care home shares how her nurses and staff are diligently working so hard looking after the elderly.
Joy Berey from Bacolod City completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Colegio de San Agustin in her hometown. She started working as a staff nurse in Ireland in 2000. Over the years, the mother of six was promoted as Clinical Nurse Manager and eventually as Director of Nursing in Powdermill Nursing Home.
Joy shares the daily activities in her centre and her staff who are working very diligently during the COVID crisis.
“We have five Filipino nurses in my nursing home, one chef, and three healthcare assistants. We have a policy and protocol in place for COVID-19. Our care plan includes the social aspect of the residents in the nursing home. The Filipino nurses have great initiative in providing activities with the residents to promote social interaction.
All staff of Powdermill Nursing Home are fully aware of the ongoing crisis that we are facing. We are vigilant in protecting our residents from this deadly virus. Nobody is invincible. This virus has no respect for anyone. The nursing home has strict “no visitors” restrictions unless it is necessary or needed. Because of this restriction, the residents are unable to hug, kiss or interact face-to-face with their loved ones. This can affect their social and mental health which can lead to anxiety, irritability, frustrations, anger, challenging behaviour, and depression. The centre has organized modes of communication using the WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, Facetime and telephone calls. A text blast is sent to the next of kin weekly encouraging them to keep the communication.
In addition to technology, the Filipino staff are leading the karaoke regularly at least three times a week. The residents love singing and hearing the Filipino staff belting out ballads and singing songs that are familiar to the residents. This is a special time for the residents, they really enjoy it. The nurses are also doing group exercises, a walk in the garden and one on one interaction with residents.”
Here are the dedicated and committed Filipino staff of Powdermill Nursing Home, Ballincollig, Cork that are providing safe services, health and wellbeing of residents in the residential care setting for older People in Ireland:
- Joy Berey – Director of Nursing
- Aileen Genodifa – Senior Nurse
- Irish Gumadlas, Rachelle Cafirma, Rochelle Siao – Staff nurses
- Eddie Pantua – Kitchen staff
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If you know of any Filipino in Ireland who are working beyond the call of duty to support the Irish community, please let us know. Thank you.
