2,000 children aged under 10 are caring for family members
Last year was the first time a dedicated question on young carers has been included in a census.
The figures show that there were 4,228 children providing unpaid care in Apr 2011, with 1,838 under the age of 10.
Most children under 10 are providing up to two hours caring a day, though over 500 reported providing more than this.
Previous research conducted by Children’s charity, Barnardos, in 2008, suggested there were 4,000 young carers.
“Now we have real documented proof that these young carers exist and we need to address the issue,” said Catherine Cox of the Carers Association.
She said there were situations where children were getting up early in the morning, preparing meals and helping parents with bathing and dressing, and then resuming their caring role after school.
The National Carers’ Strategy is due to be published in the next two weeks and the Carers Association has called for it to address the needs of young carers.
“Someone as young as eight, nine or 10 providing high levels of care should not have to take that burden of care on,” said Ms Cox.
The association wants both practical and emotional supports for young carers under the age of 18.
Ireland had no dedicated services or supports for young carers, in contrast to the situation in Britain.
The association recently appointed the first dedicated young carers development officer. “His role over the next two years will be to identify where the young carers are and who they are before addressing their needs,” said Ms Cox. “We may come across cases that are completely inappropriate and we will bring them to the attention of health services immediately.”
Latest Census 2011 figures also reveal a 16% increase in the overall number of family carers.
Since Census 2006, the number of family carers have increased from 161,000 to 187,000.
While female carers continued to outnumber male carers — 114,113 and 72,999 respectively — the number of male carers showed the larger increase at 20% since 2006. “Carers in general are saving the State €4bn every year. While there may not be a lot of money in the economy at the moment, it’s going to cost more in the long run if we don’t start supporting carers properly,” said Ms Cox.
Ireland’s older population is set to increase significantly from just over 500,000 (age 65 or over) to 775,000 by 2021.
“Latest census findings, coupled with Ireland’s ageing population and increased pressure on health resources make the publication of a visionary National Carers Strategy all the more imperative.
“This strategy should provide direction for future services and supports for family carers and young carers, vital for the long term continuation of caring in the community.”
* www.carersireland.com
