State has more than 150,000 at-home carers

Over 150,000 Irish people are caring for ill or elderly relatives in their own homes, it was revealed today.

The figure emerged at the launch of a special handbook published by the Irish Red Cross with advice for carers who were described as Ireland’s unsung heroes.

The step-by-step guide, ’Helping to Care’, sets out the best way to carry out daily activities such as communication, personal hygiene, nutrition and mobility, offering advice to those caring for friends and relatives at home.

Irish Red Cross Chairman David Andrews said the initiative was a new departure for the organisation best known for providing humanitarian aid and First Aid to those in need at home and abroad.

“Much of our work is carried out under the glare of the public eye,” he said.

“But behind the scenes the Irish Red Cross is committed to helping Irish citizens who are ill or have a disability and to support those who care for these people.

“We are acutely aware of the tremendous work carers in Ireland carry out every day of the year.

“While some have chosen to work as a carer on a professional basis, there are thousands of people who suddenly become carers when a relative or friend falls ill or has an accident.

“These are the unsung heroes of Ireland as they quietly go about their business in a professional, loving and responsible way.

“We in the Irish Red Cross believe that there is a need to help these people in their efforts to provide those they are caring for with a reasonable quality of life.”

The user friendly handbook, launched today by Minister for Health Mary Harney is available from the Irish Red Cross and leading bookshops and includes advice on general care, medical advice, as well as details on the professional help available to carers.

President of Ireland Mary McAleese said the book would make a major contribution towards helping carers.