Offaly woman receives prestigious Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year award
Vanessa Craven was initially recognised as the Midlands and Offaly regional winner at an event held in Croke Park and was chosen as the national winner from a group of 18 regional finalists
Comfort Keepers carer of the Year, Vanessa Craven from Tullamore, received the national award at a special Comfort Keepers National Day of Joy celebration at the company’s Tullamore office on Wednesday last.
This initiative highlights the role of home care within the Irish health ecosystem, focusing on community-based support, connection, and dignity for individuals receiving care. Comfort Keepers also took the opportunity on its National Day of Joy to celebrate its teams who work together to bring joy into people’s homes every day.
It also gave out special awards and long-service awards.
Ms Craven was initially recognised as the Midlands and Offaly regional winner at an event held in Croke Park. She was chosen as the national winner from a group of 18 regional finalists from across Ireland, and for her dedication and consistent high standards of care.
Having worked as a carer for approximately 18 months, Ms Craven entered the profession after spending time caring for a relative.
Collette Gleeson, CEO of Comfort Keepers, said: "At the heart of Comfort Keepers is a commitment to care that goes beyond daily tasks. It is about helping people to feel dignity, respect and independence while staying connected to the community around them. Vanessa’s compassion and the care she takes in delivering her support have been phenomenal."
Vanessa Craven, crowned Winner of the Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year Awards 2006, said: “Winning this award is such an honour. I’m so grateful for my clients, and this is more than just a job. You get to help people have a bit more confidence in themselves; you're helping to change people's lives in a way. Company is a big thing, so it’s nice to go into people’s homes and have a chat and make them feel comforted.
“I have encountered some very special people and amazing work colleagues in a short space of time, and I’m so grateful to our staff and management for this recognition. And to think that I’d even be considered is such an honour. I hope I can continue to do even more and live up to the title.”
This year, Comfort Keepers became the Official Community Impact Partner of the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association. This partnership brings together three organisations that care deeply about enhancing and protecting social connection across Ireland. In addition, Comfort Keepers was delighted to support the FTD Brothers in their courageous Irish Challenge of completing 32 marathons in 32 days across every county in Ireland, raising vital funds for The FTD Foundation and the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, and creating crucial visibility for people and their families living with dementia.
The company has also been named the Business All-Star, All-Ireland Champion Home Care Company 2026. The company has achieved this accreditation three years in a row, reflecting its commitment to trusted care, professional excellence and supporting people with compassion.
Established in 2005, Comfort Keepers Ireland is an award-winning national homecare company. It works closely with the HSE, their clients, and their families to offer a full range of nurse-led, tailored homecare and support services for any individual, including older adults, who want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. The company has been operating for over 20 years and employs over 150 people at its office in Tullamore.