The 12th National Carers Week, presently ongoing, recognises the contribution of Ireland’s 360,000 Family Carers, with events being held throughout Ireland from 11 to 17 June.
Census 2016 reported 3,514 Family Carers in Westmeath with 61% being women and 31% being men. Family Carers in Westmeath provide an average of 41 hours care per week, with many providing over 100 hours of care per week.
Local Events in Westmeath include a Health Fair Day in the Bloomfield Hotel, Mullingar. There is also a fun day planned in the Belvedere House & Gardens, where family carers will be able to wander the gardens and also enjoy some afternoon tea.
Family Carers Ireland will also be hosting a Health & Wellness Fair where family carers can avail of free health checks, information and complimentary therapies. There will also be a Regional Carers Forum in the Bloomfield House Hotel where carers will be given the chance to discuss carers issues and also attend a workshop on ‘life after caring’.
“This week we should focus on doing something for those who contribute so much to Irish society. Whether you call in, make a meal, offer help and support, or simply give them a call to say ‘you are doing something really important’, there is a huge value in simply saying ‘thank you’” says Liam O’Sullivan of Care Alliance Ireland.
National Carers Week, now in its twelfth year, is coordinated by Care Alliance Ireland in partnership with eleven other leading Irish charities who support Family Carers: the Alzheimer Society, Family Carers Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society, the Disability Federation, MS Ireland, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, the Irish Hospice Foundation, St. Michaels House and the Special Needs Parents Association. New partners in 2018 are the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC ) and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland .
Family carers provide care and support to a person with a disability, chronic conditions, mental health concern and/or long-term illness, in the persons own home
CSO Health Survey (2016 ) reports that 10% of the population are providing care to someone with a chronic condition or an infirmity due to old age. In 86% of these cases, the person being cared for is a family member.
