‘It is vital the work of family carers is appreciated’

FAMILIES provide more than 3.5 million hours of support and work annually taking care of their loved ones, it was revealed yesterday as a competition was launched to find Ireland’s top carers.

Parents yesterday spoke of their determination and care in bringing up children with challenging conditions.

Moira Skelly, from Dublin, who cares for her 11-year-old daughter Ciara, who is autistic and suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, said: “No matter how hard the day, looking at Ciara’s smile, listening to her giggle and sing Barney is enough to make any struggle worthwhile.”

Launching Ireland’s Carer of the Year 2007 in Dublin, Health Minister Mary Harney talked about her own personal situation caring for her ill mother.

Awards will be presented to four regional recipients, a Carer of the Year and a Young Carer of the Year (under 18). Announcing the accolades, Carers Association chief executive Enda Egan said: “These awards are important for recognising the enormous contribution of family carers who cover a range of caring situations for loved-ones in their own home, often with little acknowledgement.

“The nomination process will give the nation the opportunity to highlight the enormous contribution of family carers and we are encouraging family, friends, health professionals, neighbours and so on to nominate their choice for the carer of the year award.”

Mr Egan, whose association represents 150,000 family carers, also said: “Given Ireland’s increasingly ageing population and the difficulties associated with caring in the home, it is vital the work of family carers is appreciated.”

A number of family carers spoke of their roles.

Anne Hughes, from Tullamore, has provided care for her autistic daughter Debbie for almost 28 years.

“The one thing that keeps me going is love. Debbie did not choose to be this way. She doesn’t have the ability to care for herself and despite the negative aspects of caring I do the best I can because I love Debbie,” she said.

Rosemary Kratschmar, from Dublin, cares for 13-year-old Sammy, who has Down Syndrome.

“Being in the house 24/7 as a carer can be very isolating, however I would be lost without my Sammy. Sammy has brought nothing but joy to us and to others and I think he brings out the best in people. He certainly brings out the best in me,” she said.