By Paul Murphy
The biggest problem facing people who are carers for disabled family members is accessing information; that was a recurring theme at an information day for carers organised by the Louth East Meath Family Carers Support Group and held at St Peter’s Church of Ireland Hall on Friday last.
People looking after disabled persons, along with representatives of voluntary organisations, were in attendance to swap information but also to hear from professionals who were there to advise on the gathering of information to help those in need of assistance.
Just over seven years ago, a professional from Family Carers Ireland came to this region on a regular basis to give out advice and meet carers here. However, funding for that purpose was cut and the service stopped.
“It was at that stage that we decided that something would have to be done locally”, said William Mahony, Chairperson of the support group.
A small group of about six people decided that a new organisation should be formed and it now has up to 100 members, all volunteers. While the organisation is led by William Mahony and Secretary Sarah Lynch, nobody is paid – all the work is done on a voluntary basis.
“All of us are carers in one way or another”, William said, “In my own case I care for my wife Mary for the last 16 years. When illness came the first problem we had was that our front door is eight steps up and as Mary is a wheelchair users it meant that she would be taken out of the car and carried up the steps.
“That made us start looking for information and eventually we were able to have a ramp installed. When illness or disability hits, people often don’t know where to look for information. They often need advocates to get that information and the help they need”.
While the organisation is run on a shoestring and finances are very right William says that its members prefer not to form a company so that the voluntary nature of its operations is maintained. The group sends out appeals for funding from local councillors and the odd voluntary donation comes in.
If you are caring for loved one and need information on what help is available, a good place to start is to contact William Mahony on 087 461 5465, email him at william.mahony55@gmail.com or see the Louth East Meath Family Carers Support Group Facebook Page
Or see the Family Carers Ireland website https://www.familycarers.ie/ contact their National Freephone Careline on 1800 24 07 24 or email careline@familycarers.ie
