DCU AFU Engages DCU in Home Bus Run Project
An article published in the Northside People on 9th August 2016 featured a simple but fantastic invention developed from an idea of Matt Lacey's, a maintenance manager at one of CARA Care Centres. The invention, a "virtual bus", that brought the outside in to older people living in homes, while simple was proving very effective.
After reading the article, Christine O'Kelly, Age Friendly Network Coordinator at Dublin City University (DCU), realised the potential of the opportunity and contacted Matt Lacey to see how DCU could be involved. Subsequently, Christine approached Professor Alan Smeaton, computing professor and director of DCU 'Insight', to lend his expertise to the project. As DCU, the world's first Age Friendly University is leading a global network of age friendly universities, this type of innovation is exactly what DCU are interested in being involved in. CARA Care is not only supporting the project but as it is right on the DCU doorstep it is a wonderful opportunity to harness the resources the university offers.
On his first visit to the Northside nursing home in Santry, where the "virtual bus" was in place, Professor Smeaton said he was "blown over", and immediately saw why Christine was so excited about the project and the potential for its growth. He has since allocated a masters student to conduct further research into expanding and developing the project.
Since DCU have become involved in the "Home Run Bus" project, the project has attracted more media coverage. It was featured on RTE's “Local Eye” programme on 29th December 2016 and on the Sean O'Rourke radio show on the 25th January 2017. On the Sean O'Rourke show, a good report is given of how the project makes an impact and helps to enhance the quality of life of older people, and also engages their family and friends.
Listen to the RTE audio clip here (Report by Evelyn O'Rourke) (Link not working? Listen to the audio clip here)
Watch the RTE "Local Eye" (Season 2, Episode 6) on the RTE Player (Link not working? Watch the "Local Eye" clip here )
Download the feature article from the Northside People (09/Aug/2016) to read later