The Carers Association are urging Westmeath to recognise the work of their local carers by nominating them for The Carers of the Year Awards 2012. Recently launched by patrons of The Carers Association, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan, The Carers of the Year Awards 2012 recognises the phenomenal work and commitment of family carers.
There are 2,862 carers in Westmeath providing 66,262 hours of care in the home each week to frail older people, people with disabilities, those terminally ill, and with special needs.
The Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carer of the Year Award 2012, sponsored by Emergency Response, celebrates the dedication shown by family carers in Ireland, including those from Westmeath, to providing care in the home to their loved ones. Recognising the commitment made by Ireland’s family carers, the awards are based on a national nomination process, with the public invited to nominate their chosen local family carers. All entries will receive a commemorative certificate and four regional winners are chosen. The Carers of the Year 2012 award recipients will be announced at a special ceremony being held in Dublin this May. With research finding 23 per cent of family carers stating that an overburden of caring work had led to their own physical disabilities and the College of Psychiatry finding that 50 per cent of family carers are mentally and physically drained by their caring role, it is vital to recognise the enormous work of our family carers.
“While caring for family members and loved ones can be very rewarding, the cost of that care in physical, emotional, and psychological terms can be immense. At a time when Ireland’s family carers are under increasing pressure with State cutbacks, The Carers of the Year Awards is an opportunity to highlight and recognise the invaluable work they provide, saving the state billions. We urge people across Westmeath to nominate their carers of the year,” says Caroline Poole, Westmeath centre manager of The Carers Association.
To nominate your chosen family carer for The Carers of the Year Awards 2012 log on to www.carersireland.com, drop in to your local centre at 5 St John’s Terrace, Blackhall, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, or call (044 ) 9347922.
