The Republic's first national conference for carers, in Athlone, Co Westmeath, heard yesterday from a 15-year-old boy who has been helping look after his father since the age of six. Aaron McGillen, from Urlar, Drumcliffe, Co Sligo, was aged six when his father, Martin (46), was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Aaron, his younger brother, Mark (now 11), and their mother, Veronica, cared for Mr McGillen in their home for almost eight years until he became bedridden and was hospitalised last year.
Addressing the conference yesterday, Aaron, who is a third-year student at Summerhill College, Sligo, said: "I was six years old when my father was diagnosed. I didn't understand then and I still can't find an answer as to why it was my dad, but with support I am now coming to terms with it."
By 1997, Mr McGillen was wheelchair-bound and his wife had to work full-time to pay for the added expense. This left Aaron with the extra responsibility of lifting, washing, clothing and feeding his father at home.
"Many things changed then for my mum, myself and my little brother", Aaron said. "There were extra costs to adapt the house for him and the nursing care he was provided with was not adequate. My mum had to employ private care. Our lives were turned upside down."
He added that his father was now receiving excellent care at St John's Hospital in Sligo. However, he missed not having him at home. "Not having him around has taught me to be thankful for what I've got. It may not always be there", he said.
Aaron now participates in teen carers' activity breaks organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
There are an estimated 200,000 carers in the State and Aaron, one of the youngest, received warm applause from the 400 carers attending the conference.
Dr Tom Moffatt, Minister of State for Health and Children, told delegates that, as a GP, he was well aware of the invaluable contribution carers were making to the support of dependent relatives and friends. "Many people have sacrificed their careers and social life", he said. "Many feel isolated, alone and taken for granted by society."
He said that recognition of carers was important and added that many initiatives had been taken to address their needs over the past couple of years. He noted that the Department of Health and Children had provided £2 million during that time to health boards for this purpose.
The money had been used to fund carer support groups, provide training and respite breaks, and for the employment of liaison officers. A further £1.5 million had been allocated last year to recruit more paramedical and nursing staff to local services for older people and their carers.
The conference, "Supporting Carers in the New Millennium", continues today. It is being hosted by the Western Health Board in conjunction with a number of voluntary organisations.