Minister for Health Mary Harney T.D. paid a visit to Carlow on Friday February 15th to launch the county’s newest home-care service Oak Tree Home Care Ltd, started by local business woman Michelle O’Rourke and supported by Carlow County Enterprise Board.  

Oak Tree was established by Michelle and her husband Eugene in September 2004. The main aim and service provided by Oak Tree is to accommodate and encourage the independence of its elderly clients by offering help with personal care tasks and errands such as shopping or going to the doctor.  “Our focus is on the clients. There are some fantastic services in the community and we aim to compliment these services. Our main facility is to allow people to stay in their own homes,” explained Michelle. 

The type of care that Oak Tree provides is varied.  The client may only require a little help over a short period or time, while others may need a longer term of home care.  Oak Tree Home Care Ltd will develop with the client/family or representative a personal plan that details the needs and preferences and sets out how they will be met.   An out of-hours service is also available including night care and live in care.

At the launch the Minister reminded the audience that “The Irish population is ageing and as we confront the issues it is important to put the infrastructure in place.”  She warmly welcomed Oak Tree Home Care’s initiative and wished the company every success.