Compassionate care at Esker Lodge
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Breege’s friends and co-workers at Esker Lodge are all delighted for her with her nomination for the award. From left: Bini Santhosh, Lorraine Coombes, Caroline Jermyn, Breege Lyons, Lynn Hutton, Nico Iftimie and Siny Issac. Photos: Lorraine Teevan LORRAINE TEEVAN 0877564735Image 2 of 4
Breege Lyons hard at work in the laundry at Esker Lodge. LORRAINE TEEVAN 0877564735Image 3 of 4
Breege Lyons chats to her good friend Patsy McDermott who is a resident at Esker Lodge. LORRAINE TEEVAN 0877564735Image 4 of 4
Breege Lyons outside Esker Lodge where she has worked for over 20 years. LORRAINE TEEVAN 0877564735Esker Lodge Nursing Home in Cavan, is delighted to announce that Breege Lyons, a long standing member of the household department, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) Care Awards.
Breege was officially shortlisted in the highly competitive General Award category for the national awards, which celebrates outstanding excellence and dedication within Ireland’s nursing home sector. The ceremony is scheduled to take place next Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Round Room, Mansion House, Dublin.
A legacy of compassionate care
Breege joined Esker Lodge over 20 years ago and has been a central, dedicated member of the team, having celebrated two decades of service in May 2024. While working in the laundry department full-time, her impact on resident wellbeing extends significantly beyond her core duties.
Breege is known throughout the home for her natural ability to engage and encourage residents. She frequently assists with pastoral care, helps to organise the annual Remembrance Service, and actively participates in activities and events. Her infectious sense of fun and exceptional ability to encourage residents to dance have made her an invaluable source of joy, embodying the home’s commitment to person-centred care.
Thrilled
Vicky McDwyer, Managing Director of Esker Lodge Nursing Home, commented on the nomination: “We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud that Breege has been shortlisted for the General Award. For over 20 years, Breege has truly personified our mission of compassionate care. Her dedication extends far beyond the laundry department - she is a constant ray of sunshine, ensuring our residents not only have comfort but also moments of pure joy. Her nomination is a true testament to the excellent person-centred care delivered daily here at Esker Lodge. We are all so excited to celebrate her achievements with her at the awards ceremony on November 6th.”
Esker Lodge - centre of excellence
Esker Lodge has been providing residential care to older people in the Cavan community for over 23 years. Led by Managing Director Vicky McDwyer and Person In Charge Binimole Santhosh, along side a committed team of caring professionals, the home currently provides care to 70 residents and employs a dedicated team of 90 staff.
Esker Lodge prides itself on being a leader and centre of excellence in relation to older persons care, particularly in dementia-specific care, using innovative social care programmes like the Imagination Gym and Montessori method for dementia.
The nursing home is a multi-award-winning facility, previously named the EIQA National Nursing Home of the Year.