Family carers feel ‘totally abused’ by the Government

“I don’t think there’s any carer who wouldn’t do what we do. That’s what love is about — always looking out for the person you care for and protecting them to the best of your ability.”

These are the words of Shirley Thornton, a full-time family carer from Co Dublin.

Shirley works all day, every day and is constantly on call — if she’s not minding her two elderly parents, she’s looking after her eight-year-old son, Lewis.