Lucy is Roscommon Carer of Year
Lucy Kelly from Dysart has been named as the 2018 Roscommon CarePlus Carer of the Year.
Each year Family Carers Ireland recognise carers for the extraordinary hard work and dedication involved in caring for their loved ones every day, through these national awards.
Lucy was nominated by her daughter Maria, who she cares for. Maria is 22 years old and has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Lucy helps her with everyday tasks such as showering, getting dressed and getting her breakfast, lunch and dinner. Maria identifies her mother as both carer and Mum. She says: “She cares for me both as a carer and a Mum. As a mum she radiates good vibes, love and always puts a smile on my face. As a carer she’s always there to look after me, morning, noon and night. Words cannot describe the amazing lady she is”.
The national CarePlus ‘Carer of the Year’ awards will take place on November 23rd in the Westin Hotel in Dublin. The awards will be hosted by broadcasters and patrons of the charity, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan.
According to CSO Irish Health Survey there are approximately 5,331 family carers in Roscommon providing on average 45 hours of care per week in their homes. Family Carers across Ireland save the State a staggering €10 billion each year. Today 1 in 10 people provide care for a loved one in the home. By 2030, demographic changes predict that one in five people will take on a caring role.
Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement with Family Carers Ireland, said: “A huge congratulations to Lucy who is now the Roscommon Careplus Carer of the Year 2018.
“Family Carers across Ireland make extraordinary sacrifices and work very hard, sometimes 24 hours a day, to provide care for their loved ones, safely, in their own homes. With limited access to services and particularly respite, carers in Roscommon are over-stretched and receive little acknowledgement for their unpaid work with three-quarters receiving no payment from the State”.
