Cuts to the respite grant, changes to medical card provision and other cutbacks are having a significant impact on family carers of people with neurological conditions, according to a nationwide survey published by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland in association with Care Alliance Ireland.
The survey results were released for the start of National Carers Week today, which will see 150 events across the country.The week enables carers to take a day for themselves, and to participate in events such as pamper days, informative gatherings, live entertainment and “open days” at local attractions.
In the survey of more than 170 family carers, 82 per cent reported being impacted by cuts to care packages over the past three years, 77 per cent by cuts to respite services, and 70 per cent by cuts to home help. More than one-fifth of carers could not access any respite services.
Some 42 per cent of respondents had given up work to look after the person with a neurological condition, while 64 per cent reported a significant fall in family income since the onset of the condition.
Liam O Sullivan of Care Alliance, noted: “It is clear from this survey that successive cuts to supports for family carers are creating a climate of worry, uncertainty and distress. This is very disappointing in the light of the publication in 2012 of the national carers strategy, which explicitly commits to valuing the role of family carers in Ireland. We know from the findings of previous surveys that other family members remain the most important source of support for Family Carers, taking up the slack as State supports are further reduced.”