Meet the team behind Ask Nuala
Nuala is like the perfect sibling who lives next door to your mam or dad. She knows how they’re getting on, is never too busy to help, and if she can’t answer your question, she knows who to ring.
Behind Nuala are Niamh and Mark, and each of us has supported for our own parents for more than ten years. One thing we’ve learned is not one big thing that breaks you. It’s the small jobs that pile up until they overwhelm. That’s why we don’t just advise, we organise. When you need specialist help, we draw on a network of people we trust, from solicitors and occupational therapists to consultant geriatricians and community care providers, so you get the right expertise for your situation.
Most care planning stops the day the house is safe and someone’s coming in twice a week. For us, that’s where it starts. What keeps a person independent for longer is strength, companionship and a reason to get up in the morning: an exercise coach, a day-care centre, engagement with the local community. That’s the conversation we want to have with you.
Niamh Gourlay
In her own family, Niamh has seen how difficult it can be to find the right support for an older relative — the time spent making calls, being passed from one place to another and trying to understand what help is actually available can quickly become overwhelming. All of this often happens while families are juggling work, their own homes and other responsibilities, leaving them feeling as though they are constantly firefighting rather than planning ahead.
At Ask Nuala, Niamh focuses on listening carefully to what families are dealing with, understanding both the immediate pressure and the longer-term picture, and helping turn that into a practical plan. She researches suitable services and resources, helps families understand their options and supports them in putting the right help in place. The aim is simple: to reduce the time families spend searching and firefighting, while helping an older parent remain independent and at home for as long as possible.
Qualifications
Mark Nolan
Mark spent five years as CTO of PacSana, an award-winning Irish care technology company, where he built deep expertise in the full landscape of technology for older adults — from fall detection and remote monitoring to smart home adaptations and connected health devices.
His 85-year-old mother lives independently at home, supported by carefully chosen technology. The sensors, alerts and communication platforms that give the wider family peace of mind are exactly the kinds of things Mark helps other families discover, evaluate and put in place.
A keen tennis player with a personal interest in his own longevity, Mark also tests emerging wellbeing and health technologies firsthand — so his recommendations are grounded in real-world experience, not just technical specifications.
Qualifications
Not sure where to start? Most people aren’t.
View the available plans or book a free intro call and we’ll talk you through the options.