Family Carers Ireland has launched its highly anticipated Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards 2023 which seek to recognise the exceptional dedication and selflessness of family carers and young carers in County Westmeath, the Midlands region and beyond.
They save the Irish State a reported €20 billion per anum, but spend their days constantly having to fight for recognition for their work. Despite living in the third wealthiest country in the world, the life of a carer within the home in Ireland is one of financial and career insecurity, loneliness and anxiety.
Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers, has commenced its national fundraising campaign, Heart of Gold, aimed at providing vital support to family carers in Westmeath.
In 2013, Tom Quinlan was working as a primary school teacher. His mother Ann, had been struggling with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ) for many years. In September 2013 Ann’s condition deteriorated to such an extent that she ended up in intensive care in hospital. After several weeks of excellent care and attention, she was well enough to be discharged. The discharge coordinator gave Tom’s family a choice: a nursing home or a private visiting care service.