Special Recognition Award 2024

In addition to our annual award for Carer of the Year, we also honour a carer who we deem worthy of a Special Recognition Award each year too.  Read on to learn about this year’s winner, Cormac Stanley.

Cormac has spent the last eight years building a career in caregiving. His experience spans hospitals, clinics, intellectual disabilities and nursing homes. Armed with a degree in Applied Healthcare from the South East Technological University, Cormac joined Private HomeCare in May 2024, bringing his wealth of knowledge and compassion to clients in their own homes.

A Lifelong Calling
For Cormac, caregiving isn’t just a job; it’s been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. Growing up, his grandmother battled a series of illnesses, including COPD, cancer, and dementia, and his family rallied around her care. “When Nan was bed bound, my Mam was her primary carer. Watching her inspired me. Initially, I wanted to be a paramedic, but I realised that whether I’m working with my Nan or someone else’s Nan, I have the ability to make someone’s day a little better—whether it’s helping them dress, buttering toast, or turning up their favourite TV show. Even the smallest improvement in their day feels like a success to me.”
Cormac’s warm, sociable nature has made him a natural fit for home care. “I have found that clients in home care are more comfortable and appreciative of your efforts than in other settings. I believe in the value of home care, and it suits me perfectly,” he explains.

Grace Under Pressure
Recently, Cormac faced one of the most challenging moments of his career. During a routine visit, a client began coughing severely while Cormac assisted him with a bed bath. Recognising the situation was worsening, Cormac quickly called for the client’s son, who was in the house at the time, and asked him to dial an ambulance. The situation escalated as the client became unresponsive. Staying calm, Cormac – with paramedics over the phone – followed their instructions. Despite his efforts and those of the emergency team, the client passed away. Reflecting on the experience, Cormac shares, “It was incredibly tough but I take solace in the fact that I was there. If I wasn’t there, my client might have been alone in his final moments.”
The client’s family expressed deep gratitude, reaching out later to check on Cormac’s well-being. “Hearing how much he looked forward to our mornings together—to something as simple as a wash and a chat—reminded me why I do this work,” he says”.

A Rewarding Path Forward
While the job can be emotionally demanding, Cormac remains committed to his role as a carer. “Clients pass away, but there are so many more lives I can touch and improve,” he says.
Outside of work, Cormac finds balance in nature, hiking in the Wicklow Mountains or enjoying long motorbike rides. These moments of simplicity remind him to step back and appreciate life.
As for the future, Cormac is considering a shift to education, aiming to train and inspire the next generation of carers. For now, though, he continues to dedicate himself to his clients, making their days just a little brighter, one visit at a time.

Congratulations Cormac!