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A SURVEY OF family carers has found that a majority are struggling financially and in terms of their mental health.
The State of Caring 2024 Survey, conducted by Family Carers Ireland, found that 74% of family carers surveyed said the people they support do not receive sufficient formal support and that 72% have never received respite.
69% said they find it difficult to make ends meet and 29% of those are cutting back on paying for essentials such as food and heating.
Almost half of the respondents said they have paid for products and services that should be publicly provided and 34% said their accommodation is unsuitable when it comes to meeting the needs of those they in their care, lacking essentials such as ramps and handrails.
Almost a quarter of those who responded to the survey said they have missed at least one mortgage or rent payment in the last year.
One carer said:
“We are in constant fear of an eviction notice coming through the door.”
“That alone, has a negative impact on our outlook. Then with the security issues, no maintenance being carried out on the house, inadequate insulation.
“It all has a negative impact on daily life. Our landlord knows we won’t question anything as we have nowhere else to go.”
All of these pressures mean that carers are being forced to make difficult decisions on a regular basis and most carers (76%) reported suffering from severe or moderate loneliness.
“These figures highlight that significant numbers of carers are facing fuel and food poverty, with some reporting having to rely on food banks and charities like St. Vincent de Paul to get by,” Family Carers Ireland said in a statement accompanying the survey results.
“This survey reveals a harrowing truth – family carers are being pushed to the brink,” said the charity’s head of communications Catherine Cox said.
“Despite promises of reform, they have been abandoned in a broken system. The report paints a bleak reality, echoing the persistent struggles highlighted for many years and emphasising the urgent need for a transformative approach to supporting family carers and providing them with the recognition, resources and respect they deserve.”
She said the charity is calling for “immediate action” to address the situation.
Cox has called for the the abolition of the means test for Carer’s Allowance as well as ensuring payment is not taxed.
She also called for the elimination of the “postcode lottery of supports and services” through the full implementation of the Carers’ Guarantee promised in the Programme for Government.
An increase to the Housing Adaptation Grant and the ensuring of fair rent practices are also crucial to easing the challenges faced by carers, she said.
“Additionally, incorporating universal design principles in housing, along with vastly improved access to respite care and the establishment of a statutory home support scheme, are vital steps to ensuring the sustainability of care in the home.”
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Not to mention abandoned, by their siblings and treated like staff. There’s always one in the family that takes on the minding, and the rest take the “Micheal”.
The Micheal takers will be the first to have their hands out when the will is read.
@HisMastersAlibi: Unfortunately seen all too often. Some people have no morals.
Wow yet another survey that confirms what is common knowledge.
I’d say another three or four surveys will definitely fix this issue.
Well done to all that voted for more of this.
There is nothing about the unpaid carers who were denied their pensions under the 2012 legislation, they gave their lives to caring when caring was not even recognised and then found they had no entitlements when the caring was done, shame on FFG and those parties who have not changed such demonic legislation. Old age pensioners with no entitlement to an old age pension in their own country.
It makes me laugh when a survey states that loneliness is one of the biggest factors for carers. As a carer for nearly the whole of my 67 years, first helping to look after grandparents, then parents and for 38 years looking after a disabled child, I can tell you we may be lonely but more often than not we’re in a dark pit of depression and despair as well. Most carers see no future for themselves or their loved ones. I’m so glad my other child emigrated and won’t be coming back, as I don’t want her to go through what her father and I have over the years. She’s deserves the life the government and the HSE deprived us of.
@rosemary flowers: that is a big thing that is rarely acknowledged that carers as well as those they care for go through heavy levels of depression and anxiety throughout they’re lives,it’s not something to be taken likely at all.
Dont bother reading the next report which will be a report into the last report.I wouldnt hold my breath until the final report comes either.
@Willie Marty: ‘lessons learned’
‘We have an obligation to help those who enter the country’ – roderic o gorman.
Sod those that are currently in it regardless of nationality. The situation for carers and people who need help is set to worsen thanks to what’s in power,fabulous job up to now. Most parents won’t have they’re children to help them when they get old as they will have had to emigrate. Sod them aswel I suppose worked hard all they’re lives. The housing crisis is accelerating rapidly with waffle and useless timewasting in the dail with the same clowns. Whoever votes these fools back in and complains should shut up altogether.
Just when online to see what the average care giver salary in Ireland is. It is €28,696 p/a…. So here’s a mad thought for our Minister of Health to consider. Why not hire the full time (24/7…365) stay at home care givers on a salary of €28,686 , tax them on this income, charge them PRSI and USC on this as well , so as to ensure they are contributing towards a contributory pension down the road. Even if they were taxed at the low rate of tax, they would come out with at least €24,000 in their hand p/a = €461 p/w …. still not a fair salary for the work they do but at least it’s a better contribution than what they are on now.
@MIchael Costello: what care giver is on 29000 a year. They must be working 18.5 hours. Or are you including spouses income.
@MIchael Costello: or are you talking about care employees. In the private sector. Their average pay scale is probably about that amount.
Cost living doesn’t help bit government dont care and Irish people keep voting same bookers in
have your say