The minister was speaking after presenting awards to care workers Carol McCrea and Daphne Harrison for their more than 20 years of dedicated service with Extra Care.
In congratulating the Extra Care team, Mr. McGimpsey stressed the importance of providing high quality care and supporting independent living for people in Northern Ireland.
The minister said: “Everyone should have some choice about how their care needs will be met. The message we have been receiving loud and clear is that people want to live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as it is safe to do so.
“Working closely with the independent and voluntary sectors we are now helping more people than ever to stay at home, avoiding unnecessary admission to hospital or residential care. We are only able to do this thanks to the dedication of people like Carol and Daphne, in our committed domiciliary care workforce.”
Notes to Editors:
- Extra Care was established in 1935 and is Northern Ireland’s largest voluntary organisation providing home care services for older people and dependent adults. At present Extra Care provides more than 10,000 hours of care per week to over 1,500 people. Extra Care has expanded over the last 10 years and now also operates in the Republic of Ireland.
- Extra Care employs over 500 staff and operates a Long Service Awards Scheme which includes annual presentations to staff in recognition of loyalty, dedication, commitment and length of service. The organisation has offices based in Belfast, Newry, Ballymena, Newtownabbey, Downpatrick, Enniskillen and Drogheda.
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