Family Carers Ireland launch the Careplus Carer of the Year awards 2018
Family Carers Ireland has launched its CarePlus ‘Carer of the Year’ awards 2018. The launch took place at The Westin Hotel in Dublin and was hosted by broadcasters, and patrons of the charity, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan.
One in twenty people in Ireland is a Family Carer, saving the Government €10bn in unpaid care each year. By 2030, demographic changes predict that one in five people will take on a caring role. Latest Census figures (2016)* revealed that Family Carers collectively provide 6,608,515 hours of care per week; an average of 38.7 unpaid hours per Carer; the equivalent of a fulltime job.
Family Carers are propping up an inadequate health system, at a high personal cost financially, physically and emotionally. A recent European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS)* found that 16 per cent of full-time carers rated their health as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’. 26 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement that ‘people look down on me’.
Speaking at the launch, Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement with Family Carers Ireland said, “Family Carers across Ireland make extraordinary sacrifices and work very hard, sometimes 24 hours a day, to provide care for their loved ones, safely, in their own homes. With limited access to services and particularly respite, Carers are over stretched and receive little acknowledgement for their unpaid work which saves the State €10bn each year.”
“Family Carers Ireland is delighted to celebrate and recognise the enormous contribution that Family Carers make through the CarePlus Carers of the Year Awards and would encourage people to nominate a deserving Carer or Young Carer for one of these awards.” concluded Catherine.
Niamh Lynch, Commercial Director of CarePlus Pharmacy said “CarePlus Pharmacy is honoured to sponsor the Family Carer of the Year awards, which recognises the tireless efforts of thousands of people across the country. Carers are the heart of every community and meet our pharmacy owners and staff every day. We look forward to working closely with Family Carers Ireland and supporting the awards throughout our 50 community pharmacies nationwide”.
This year, the CarePlus Carer of the Year Awards form part of Family Carers Ireland national ‘Carers in Crisis’ campaign and will acknowledge the contribution of Family Carers throughout Ireland. The awards will highlight the sacrifices Family Carers make and the services they provide to the State.
CarePlus Pharmacy, a network of 50 franchised pharmacies, is sponsoring the event for the second year running and is now sponsoring the CarePlus Young Carers of the Year Awards 2018 which recognises the role that young people play in providing care to their loved ones at home.
Nomination forms are available online at www.familycarers.ie, Family Carers Ireland’s nationwide resource centres, CarePlus Pharmacies or via the Freephone Careline 1800 24 07 24.
The CarePlus Carer of the Year Awards will be presented in Dublin in November.
