Family carers 'running on empty'
An organisation representing family carers is using a Leeside event to urge the next Irish government to give carers a well-deserved break.
Family Carers Ireland, a national charity supporting the 355,000 carers across the country, will host its annual National Respite Weekend at The Clayton Hotel from this Friday.
The charity intends to take the opportunity call on the next government to give full-time family carers a right to 20 days respite each year. Many family carers provide round-the-clock care to a loved one without pay, with limited support and little or no access to a break.
According to Family Carers Ireland, the unpaid care provided each year by family carers amounts to approximately €10 billion, without which the charity believes the Irish health service would crumble.
The charity believes that a minimum entitlement to 20 days guaranteed respite each year should be enshrined in the impending statutory homecare legislation, in line with the statutory leave available to paid workers.
Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement with Family Carers Ireland said: “It is vitally important that family carers get a chance to recharge their batteries and take some well-earned time out from the demands of caring. No one can run on empty, yet this group of vulnerable people are consistently being asked to keep going without a break.”
Ms Cox added: “All of the political parties have agreed in principle to introduce these measures. The next government must recognise the essential role that family carers play in sustaining the national health system and become their champion.”
Family Carers Ireland’s National Respite Weekend will include a range of activities to help and support family carers including mindfulness, massage, yoga, excursions and information on their rights and entitlements as family carers. The three day event runs from tomorrow, Friday 6 March, until Sunday at the Clayton Hotel Cork City.
and will begin with an opening address from Lord Mayor Cllr John Sheehan tomorrow evening at 7pm.
Yesterday it was confirmed that Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin will attend the event on Saturday.
Family Carers Ireland provides a range of services and supports for family carers through its 22 resource centres nationwide. For more information see familycarers.ie or contact a local resource centre.