Drogheda woman Marie Matthews, who cares full-time for her sons Christian (10) and Kaleb (7) who both have a disability, has been selected as the 2022 Netwatch Louth Family Carer of the Year.
Marie is kept very busy caring for Christian who has autism, a rare eye impairment called Duane’s syndrome, is partially deaf and has a sensory processing disorder while Kaleb has a moderate to severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and is a wheelchair user.
Indeed, it is a very busy household as there is also Jacob (4) and Benjamin (3) to care for who both have speech delays.
Supported by husband David who nominated her for the award, Marie has fought to secure essential supports and services for her children, recently having to spend over three months to secure a wheelchair for Kaleb.
Marie has a very positive outlook on life and while she is an amputee herself, this doesn’t stop her.
A normal day is spent making sure everyone is dressed, fed and washed, doing the school runs and helping the boys with their homework.
As a team, David and Marie focus a lot of their time stimulating Kaleb, as he finds it difficult to engage with others. Marie is working to pinpoint his triggers so, as a family, they can support him in the best possible way.
Marie is a fantastic mother and a very selfless person who is so supportive of many while also battling for her own children. She encourages other family carers to reach out for support as the caring role can feel isolating at times and is thankful she has David beside her on their caring journey.
Now in their 15th year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards seek to recognise and shine a light on the remarkable contribution of the more than half a million people in Ireland who provide care at home to loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.
The 19 million hours of unpaid care provided each week by family carers would cost the State €20bn a year to replace. Family carers often go unnoticed in the community despite the immense workload they take on and the significant commitment they show to those that they care for. This has particularly been the case during the pandemic with many left increasingly isolated.
Family Carers Ireland Community Support Manager for Louth and Meath, Páraic McGahey said:
“Caring for a loved one at home can be rewarding but it can also be challenging, particularly in the absence of vital supports and services including respite. This can take a toll on a person’s physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing. Often, a person can find themselves taking on the role of a family carer with little or no warning.
“These are mums, dads, sons, daughters, siblings, relatives, friends and colleagues who sometimes don’t even see themselves as family carers. They are doing extraordinary work that is too often unseen and undervalued.
“These awards are an important event in our calendar every year as we seek to provide some small recognition to all of those who care at home for loved ones with additional needs and to ensure their stories are heard.”
