The next government must prioritize addressing the health challenges faced by family carers, who represent one in seven adults in Ireland, according to Care Alliance Ireland’s chief executive Liam O’Sullivan.
The Healthy Ireland survey reveals critical insights into the experiences of carers, highlighting significant health impacts. Parent-carers, for instance, show higher rates of long-standing illness (41% compared to 30% of other parents) and increased mental health challenges, with 15% experiencing mental health problems versus 12% in the general population.
O’Sullivan emphasizes that carers typically prioritize those they care for over their own health, often suffering in silence. The alliance’s online support project, involving 9,000 carers, exposes widespread challenges including unreliable services and the emotional strain of caring for individuals with complex needs.
The expert calls for comprehensive policy reforms, including:
- Multi-year funding for carer support services
- A ‘carer guarantee’ ensuring consistent support across counties
- Breaking down service delivery silos
- Recognizing the diverse caring situations beyond traditional family structures
The survey also highlights carers’ struggles with sleep disturbances, exercise, and general health maintenance. Despite these challenges, carers demonstrate remarkable resilience, though they often experience psychological and physical exhaustion after their caring responsibilities end.
O’Sullivan urged future government officials to thoroughly analyze the data and develop strategies that genuinely support these critical community members.