National Carers Week 2018

Monday 11th June – Sunday 17th June

National Carers Week 2018 was established to highlight and recognise all the selfless carers. In Ireland, we have a whopping 360,000 family carers. This years National Carers Week is in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, The Irish Cancer Society, The Irish Hospice Foundation, MS Ireland, Care Allianz Ireland, Central Remedial Clinic, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Disability Federation of Ireland, Family Carers Ireland, St Michael’s House, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland and Special Needs Parents Association.

Who is a carer?

A carer is an angel without wings. The term ‘carer’ can be used to describe both a paid care worker or a family member providing unpaid personal help and support to an older, disabled person or someone with a long-term illness or health problem. Personal help includes help with basic tasks such as feeding, washing and dressing. A carer could be a man or woman looking after an elderly parent as they feel that it is the right thing to do. It could be a sibling looking after a younger, disabled sibling. It could be someone caring for a terminally-ill friend. Carers come in all different shapes and sizes. There are four types of people – those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.

What can you do?

The most important thing that you can do is to help a carer you know. If there is a carer in your family let them know that they are doing a wonderful job and that they are appreciated. Caring can have an impact on the carers social life, cause financial strain and can be mentally and physically exhausting. Take the workload off them by sharing the responsibilities between other family members, friends and neighbours. Help them and expect nothing back in return. A happy life is about giving more than you can take. Share blog posts, carer events or information that you see on social media to raise awareness about National Carers Week 2018.

Recognising our carers

Myhomecare would like to say a very special thanks to our dedicated and hard-working carers. We have such an exceptional team of the highest standards that work with us both internally and externally that are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that only the best quality of care is provided. We would also like to acknowledge all carers across Ireland for their continuous hard-work. This week should encourage others to support carers who they know and give them the well-deserved break that they deserve.

Looking after the carer

The demand for care is increasing as people are living longer and family carers are looking for more support services like help from paid carers. Due to their dedication and nature, carers tend to neglect their own needs as they focus on the patient. This often leads to burnout or stress. The exhaustion from this stress can result in the reduction in the quality of care being delivered by the carer. To be able to care for someone else you need to look after yourself too.

Get help

It is important that if you feel you are experiencing signs of stress that you identify it and use techniques that help you unwind. If you are experiencing long-term stress that is affecting your health you should visit your doctor. Talk to someone and ask for help. People don’t like to burden others with their problems but speaking to someone can relieve tension and they might even be able to offer a solution to help.

Nationwide Events

Thu 14 Jun Louth Carers Support Group Exhibition
Details	Louth Family Carers Support Group will mark Carers Week 2018 on June 14th from 1.45pm to 4pm. Located in the Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda, the Louth Family Carers Support Group will present an afternoon dedicated to Carers issues. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend and join in recognising the valuable role carers play. The local Redcross Community organisation will be one of the key exhibitors, and they will be showcasing their specially designed Carers App.
Location	Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda
County	Louth
Organiser	Louth Family Carers Support Group
Contact Details	087 316 1323 louthfamilycarers@gmail.com

For a full list of nationwide events you can visit: http://www.carersweek.ie/events

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