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Aoife Horgan from Cahersiveen, Netwatch Kerry Family Carer of the Year.
FAMILY Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers, has announced the 2022 Netwatch Kerry Family Carer of the Year is Aoife Horgan from Cahersiveen.
Aoife is sole carer to her son Elliot who is eight years old and lives with Sturge Weber Syndrome. She is a devoted mum to her little boy and providing remarkable care, day in, day out.
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.
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Family Carers Ireland Community Support Manager for Kerry, Marie Fitzgerald 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.”
