History

The original Home, founded in 1872 by Miss Frances Fitzgerald Gregg (daughter of Bishop John Gregg), was located in Albert House,Victoria Road, Cork, and rejoiced in the name The Home for Protestant Incurables. From time to time disquiet about the name was voiced. Eventually, in 1966 - fifty-five years after the subject was mooted - the name was changed to St. Luke's Home, Cork (Incorporated).

The original Home accommodated nineteen residents and quickly proved too small. In 1879 a major move was made to Military Hill. Eighty years later St. Brendan's House was added. Still the demand for places grew, resulting in a twelve-bed extension to the main building in 1962. St. Brendan's was modernised in 1979, enabling a further twelve residents to move in and bringing the bed complement to 107.

Subsequently this number was increased to 123.

In 1993 the Board found itself at a crossroads. New health and safety regulations and the ever increasing cost of maintaining an ageing building placed the future in jeopardy.

The courageous decision was taken to build on a green- field site in Mahon. Incorporating the latest thinking in care for the elderly, the building is in four modules, each with thirty beds. One of these units is for those afflicted with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. All rooms are on the ground floor, with easy access to the landscaped gardens and secure internal courtyards. Facilities include a restaurant, a hairdressing service, physiotherapy and rooms for recreation - art, crafts, music, library etc.There is a Chapel for regular services and private worship.

Residents and staff transferred from Military Hill to Mahon in 1994.

Facilities to meet modern needs continue to be added, with the support and financial backing of the Health Services Executive - South. A Day Care Centre operates five days a week.

A large conservatory has been provided as a Millennium project.

With its patio doors looking out onto the landscaped grounds towards the river Lee, this provides a relaxed, tranquil setting for residents to meet friends or relatives.

Bishop Paul Colton, like his episcopal predecessors, is President of the Home, and presides at Board meetings. Directors are drawn from the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, but the Home welcomes those of every faith and no faith.

Throughout its history the Home has enjoyed the support of the community, in terms of fund-raising and invaluable voluntary help.

Civic and Government agencies also assist in many practical ways.