A Clare Family Carer claims unpaid providers are on the verge of burning out due to a lack of ancillary support services.
Census results for 2022, published this week, show a significant increase in the number of people recorded as unpaid workers nationwide.
There are now over 299,000 people in Ireland identifying as unpaid carers, an increase of 53% since census 2016.
Among them are 3,000 in this county, who are set to benefit from the €1,850 Carers Support Grant announced by the Government this week.
A former Clare nurse believes, however, that monetary assistance is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the supports required for family carers.
Ennis resident, Ursula, who’s currently caring for her father, is calling for the expansion of home care services and an evaluation of available respite places.
Under the HSE’s current home support scheme, patients in need can receive a maximum of 21 hours of home help a week, equating to just three hours a day.
Meanwhile at the end of May last year there were just 1,779 designated respite and short stay beds across the country.
Ursula says if enhanced community healthcare supports don’t come on stream, family carers will face an inevitable burnout , denying a critical service for loved ones.
A full time carer in Shannon claims inadequate financial supports coupled with the cost of living crisis will create an impending crisis for the healthcare services.
The carers allowance currently allocates just €16 a week more to recipients than unemployment benefit meanwhile the census data showed a 111% increase in those providing over hours of weekly unpaid care .
Marion Costello, who provides full time support for her mother living with Alzheimer’s believes the impossible situation carers are facing will result in nursing homes becoming overwhelmed.
You can listen to the full Morning Focus interview below.
