60% of carers on-call 24 hours a day
Saturday, November 08, 2003 (14:28:24)

Posted by Sylvia

Ireland 29/11/2002

Irish Red Cross comprehensive support service for carers launched by Minister Coughlan.

Independent national research shows that 62% of carers in Ireland are committed to providing the service 24 hours a day, and over half of those are doing so on their own. 88% of those researched are caring for someone that has a long-term illness or disabled and 53% are looking after the patient for more than five years. 93% of those surveyed were women.

The research, carried out by the Irish Red Cross and Domestos, was published at the launch of the Irish Red Cross Helping You to Care information pack for carers and persons needing care today (Thursday, 28th November 2002) by Ms Mary Coughlan T.D., Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

The information pack includes a Directory & Reference Guide for Care and A Practical Booklet for Care and Hygiene. The free pack is available by contacting the Helping You to Care careline on 1850 650 651.

Mr David Andrews SC, Chairman of the Irish Red Cross, said that the Helping You to Care pack was essential for anybody caring for a relative or friend.

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