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.

“I moved back from the UK five years ago because my parents’ health was deteriorating. I thought maybe it would just be a case of dropping in and dropping out and just being around but it gradually got worse.

“Their independence has been taken from them so now I’m their full time carer.

“Both of them have numerous illnesses but they’re still striving to be in their own home and adamant they’ll be in their own home and so am I.

“I’ll do everything within my power to keep them in the home they’ve reared a family, the home they feel happy and secure in.”

Shirley is in a similar situation to almost 200,000 carers nationwide. Combined, it’s estimated these carers save the State €2.5bn every year.

“For the hours we work, the wages are a bit of an insult. To me it shows a lack of respect from the Government considering how much money we save them,” said Shirley.

“I just feel completely discriminated against by the Government. I think they totally abuse us basically because we’re doing something out of love. And that should be a very natural thing that is common decency to do.”

Shirley said she was not “looking for sympathy” but wanted her voice, and the voices of the 200,000 other carers to be heard.

She wants the Government to give something back to the carers that save it so much money each year, and to stop taking from the vulnerable people they care for.

“If the country’s on the up, then make a point of it this budget and recognise what we do and make adjustments. We should become workers, we shouldn’t be recipients of social welfare, we should become workers of the HSE — a carer within the home.”

This week, more than 150 events will take place across the country as part of National Carers Week.

Launching the campaign, TV presenter Nuala Carey stressed the importance of carers in the home.

“The week is a fantastic celebration of the contribution family carers make to our loved ones’ lives.

“It’s an opportunity for us all to do something extra special for family carers in our community.”

For more information, go to www.carersweek.ie