Almost 1 in 6 people in Kildare providing unpaid care to family members or friends

Almost one in six people Kildare have stated that they are providing care to a family member or friend on an unpaid basis to help with long-term illnesses, health problems or disabilities.

The figures were released as part of the Census 2016 results, and it showed that 15.5 per cent of respondents in the Census said that they were providing unpaid care.

These carers comprised 3.7% of the county’s population in April 2016 and shows that there are not enough home help hours, respite support, and limited access to the Fair Deal scheme. This is resulting in the responsibility of providing care being passed to spouses and relatives who are not being paid for their help.

Kildare TD Fiona O'Loughlin claimed that these carers are our country's 'unsung heroes' and that they should be receiving much more support.

“The number of people with a disability in Kildare has went up from 11.6% to 12.5% and yet we have 15.5% of the population assisting those people in an unpaid capacity," said Deputy O'Loughlin.

"It’s clear to me from my work on the ground as a constituency TD and in my engagements with a variety of organisations, that people are not receiving the supports they need.”

“Carers, in general, are without a doubt some of our country’s unsung heroes. They step in all too often when the State is unable to provide care and support. We have a responsibility to ensure that their needs are met and where possible, ensure that the State provides the services their loved ones need,” concluded O’Loughlin.