Longford family carer honoured with award

Olive Duffy has been named the 2022 Netwatch Longford Family Carer of the Year by Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers.
Olive has cared for 40 years for her son Brendan who suffered brain damage at birth and has overcome testicular cancer.

She also cares for her husband Pat who was diagnosed with dementia in 2010.
The Cahanagh lady carries out her caring role with grace and dignity, giving both her husband and son the best care possible and is very deserving of this award.

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.
Paul Farrell, Family Carers Ireland Community Support Manager for Longford and Westmeath, 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.

“As a charity, we want family carers to know that they are not alone and that we are here to help them no matter where they find themselves on their caring journey. As a society, we must ensure that family carers are not only recognised for their immense contribution, but truly supported to care safely at home.”

Mick Galwey, Netwatch Brand Ambassador, said:
“Family carers are the backbone of our local communities and the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards offer a chance to highlight their sheer tenacity, selflessness and resilience. We have learnt more than ever over the last two years just how important caring is.”