As part of our ongoing commitment to engage and learn from stakeholder experience for quality and service planning, we recently surveyed the health and social care professionals who refer to Crann, to gather evidence‑based feedback. The outcomes show that supporting the whole family is key to achieving better outcomes for children, adults living with neuro-physical disabilities.
Across hospital, community, and disability services, referrers consistently pointed to the importance of coordinated, practical support that works in real life, not just isolated clinical interventions.
Referrers reported that when families receive the right support, they are better equipped to manage care at home and maintain stability over time. 95% of respondents said Crann enhances caregiver capacity.
This highlights that support doesn’t end after an appointment – it continues every day at home, and outcomes depend on how well families are supported to sustain that care.
The survey also highlight the role of early intervention and consistent support in preventing escalation.
Referrers identified that access to Crann helps reduce deterioration and avoid crises, contributing to more stable long-term outcomes and reduced reliance on acute services.
For families, this means fewer disruptions, less uncertainty, and greater confidence in managing day-to-day challenges.
Referrers agree that Crann’s role isn’t to replace existing services but to strengthen and complement them.
In areas like continuity of care, coordination, and family-focused support, Crann becomes a partner in enhancing the capacity of systems like the HSE. 84% predict delays in intervention and deterioration if Crann didn’t exist.
The survey results show sustained or increasing demand for disability services. 47% of respondents say demand has increased (36% say it has increased significantly), which is reflected in Crann’s predicted 20% year-on-year increase in referrals.
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Overall, the findings reinforce Crann’s guiding principle that outcomes improve when the wider family is supported alongside the child or adult living with neuro-physical disability.
For Crann, this strengthens the case for continuing to grow a whole-family (2Gen) model of care that recognises that supporting families is essential to delivering effective, sustainable outcomes.
Thank you to the health and social care professionals who gave their time to this research.
A copy of the report is available on request to amoore@cranncentre.ie
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Crann relies on donor support to fund the services our growing client population relies on, and your support has a magnified impact. A 2024 SROI report showed that for every €1 invested in key services at Crann, €3.68 in value is created for clients.
Your €10 could equate to €36.80 in value for the families we serve. Set up a monthly donation and you’re extending that support even further! Set up a recurring donation here: https://cranncentre.ie/donate/
