An award-winning family carer from Ennis insists the government should subsidise carers fully.
With National Carers Week now underway, calls have been made for greater state support to be given the estimated 500,000 carers currently looking after those with additional needs in Ireland.
Family Carers Ireland has launched its Heart of Gold campaign which aims to raise awareness of the difficulties facing full-time carers across the country.
It is estimated that over 500,000 people nationwide operate as carers for children or adults with physical or intellectual disabilities as well as frail older people, those with palliative care needs and those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, or addiction.
Amidst a spiralling cost of living crisis, carers are seeking additional support to alleviate the growing strain on them.
Carers in Ireland are currently eligible for a number of supports such as the recently announced annual Carers Support Grant of €1,850 which 2,937 Clare people are in receipt of.
However, Ennis native and 2022 Netwatch Clare Family Carer of the Year, Anne Micks, has said that the lack of assistance given to carers at present is “unacceptable”.
National Carers Week, which runs until Sunday the 18th of June, aims to “make carers visible” and shine a light on the importance of the work that they do.
Support Manager for Family Carers Ireland in Clare, Fiona Hartigan, says it is vital that carers are aware of the supports available to them.
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