Residents at a designated centre for disabilities in Kilkenny did not have easy access to or control over all their personal finances according to an inspection conducted last April.
This was the sole incidence of non-compliance (under the personal possessions category) that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) identified in a newly published inspection report about the Ardeevin property at Saint Patrick’s Centre, trading as Aurora, which took place on April 22nd last.
The property is described as “a spacious property that provides residents with a living environment which meets their assessed mobility and social care needs. Each resident has their own bedroom. The provider identifies that residents living in this centre require high levels of support and has staffing arrangements in place to ensure residents’ needs are met.”
The HIQA inspector noted that one of Ardeevin’s four residents (all of whom were there during the inspection) could not engage in two activities of their choice as they could not access their money as their bank card had not been topped up, despite having the finances to facilitate this spending.
HIQA requested that the person in charge ensure that each resident is provided access to and retains control of personal property and possessions and, where necessary, to provide support to manage each resident’s financial affairs.
The report (under the premises category) also recommended improvements to flooring throughout the building, including the kitchen and two bathrooms, with chipped tiles observed in the main bathroom.
“The inspector reviewed an email at the end of March 2026 where it was agreed that the works needed to be completed,” the report notes.
“At the time of the inspection, the owner of the home was attempting to get quotations in respect of all the works. However, no start date had been identified.”
In response, the provider confirmed it had engaged with the housing body who were to complete the necessary works.
On May 22nd, the housing body detailed an action plan to the provider when it came to the repair/replacement of flooring and chipped tiles in one bathroom, the replacement of tiles in another bathroom, an assessment of all floors in the building, the repair or replacement of the kitchen floor and the replacement of a bracket on one gutter with all gutters to be cleaned.
Ardeevin was found compliant across the eight other inspected fields: Persons in charge, Staffing, Training and staff development, Governance and training, Communication, General welfare and development, Health Care and Positive behavioural support.
“Over the course of the inspection, the inspector observed staff supporting the residents in a professional, person-centred and caring manner at all times. Residents appeared to be relaxed and content in the company of staff and the person in charge. Two residents spent time playing cards with a staff member and this was something they clearly enjoyed. Residents were heard laughing and joking with the staff member throughout the game.
“The inspector spoke with three staff members during the inspection. Staff were very knowledgeable of the residents’ needs and the supports to meet those needs. Some of the staff had worked with the residents for a long time. The inspector reviewed feedback received from family members and this feedback was very positive.
“For example, one family member stated that staff members care for their relative went ‘above and beyond’”.
