Carers’ concerns: pleas for help at launch of information pack for carers

MARGARET CULLEN had to make five attempts at making herself heard at yesterday’s launch of a new information pack for carers.

The 84-year-old woman, from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, suffered a stroke five-and-a-half years ago and has Parkinson’s Disease.

On her fifth attempt she succeeded in having heard the letter that her son and full-time carer, Martin, read out on her behalf.

“I would like my son to have a break from minding me,” she wrote. “He works very hard in looking after me. He is trying to buy a house for us in Clondalkin so we can be nearer our family. Please can you help us?”

Martin, who worked as a hairdresser before caring for his mother, feels that people in his position should be exempt from stamp duty so that price is not a problem in choosing a suitable home.

“The house I am trying to buy is a bungalow that would be totally suitable for my mother. But, if I can’t get the house, I won’t get a chance of getting another like it at the same price.”