60% of carers on-call 24 hours a day

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.

"Those who are faced with this daunting task often find themselves isolated and unsure of where to get advice. The help is available in Ireland through the various Government Departments, Health Boards, hospitals, advocacy groups and general practitioners. But it is important that people have easy access to this vital information," Mr Andrews said.

The Irish Red Cross Directory & Reference Guide for Care provides a comprehensive source of information and contact points including a glossary of medical conditions, services provided by care professionals, respite services, entitlements, bereavement issues and a directory of voluntary organisations and support groups.

The booklet entitled 'A Practical Booklet for Care and Hygiene' includes information on important issues including: being a carer, preventing infectio, mobility and gentle exercise, pressure sores, medication, hygiene tips, common nutritional problems, understanding emotions and looking after yourself. The free booklet will also be available on Domestos packs.

Ms Ann Marie O'Riordan, Marketing Manager of Domestos, Ireland's preferred bleach said that Domestos is committed to providing individuals and carers with help and advice.

"We believe that these new information sources will satisfy a much-needed gap that people have identified if they become ill or care for others. We are confident that this information source will play a vital link in bringing carers and individuals requiring care in contact with the help and advice available to them in a more convenient manner."

"The research clearly showed that thousands of people in Ireland are caring for relatives and friends. The majority indicated that they found it difficult to gather all the information required. We are delighted to work with the Irish Red Cross to produce the Helping You to Care pack. We are confident that it meets the requirements highlighted in the research," she said.

The national research was carried out through a questionnaire inserted in the Domestos Living magazine,the www.livingonline.ie website and through organisations involved in caring. 1,305 people responded to the survey and the research company, Data Conversion, collated the findings.

In preparing the information pack, the Irish Red Cross and Domestos also worked with a number of organisations, groups and individuals that specialise in working with carers. These included the Community Health Nurses, Government Departments, the Carers Association, Caring for Carers, Care Alliance, Age Action Ireland and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union. The Irish Red Cross and Domestos would like to thank these organisations for their invaluable support.

The free Helping You to Care information pack is available by contacting the Helping You to Care careline on 1850 650 651.

Research findings

93% of questionnaire responders were females.

62% spend 24 hours as a day as a carer.

50% are sole carers. Of those that share their responsibilities, 75% share with relations. Only 2% of those share their responsibilities with professional help.

70% care for one person. 9% care for three or more people.

31% care for a child or children. 29% care for their
parent(s). 16% care for a spouse or partner.

88% care for someone with a long-term illness or disabled.

53% have been caring for the patient/s for 5 years or more. Only 6% have been caring for someone for 6 months or less.

64% use hospitals as a source of information. Of those that use hospitals as a source of information 30% believe that they are of no use. 16% believe that they are an excellent source of information.

73% use their G.P. as a source of information. Of those that use their G.P. as a source of information 25% believe that they are of no use. A further 26% however, believe that they are an excellent source of information.

65% use a public health nurse as a source of information. Of those that use public health nurse as a source of information 29% believe that they are of no use. 21% believe that they are an excellent source of information.

57% use their local health centre as a source of information. Of those that use their local health centre as a source of information 36% believe that they are of no use. 12% believe that they are an excellent source of information.

35% use caring organisations as a source of information. Of those that use caring organisations as a source of information 22% believe that they are of no use. 40% believe that they are an excellent source of information. Saint John of Gods, The Irish Wheelchair Association, The Carers Association & the Brothers of Charity are among the caring organisations used. Only a 90 people responded to scoring part of the question.

25% use support groups as a source of information. Of those that use support groups as a source of information 33% believe that they are of no use. 31% believe that they are an excellent source of information. Saint John of Gods, The Irish Wheelchair Association, Age Action & the Alzheimers Society are among the support groups used by questionnaire responders. Only a 52 people responded to scoring part of the question.

18% use a Government Department (including regional health boards and social welfare department) as a source of information. Of those that use their government departments as a source of information 33% believe that they are of no use. 23% believe that they are an excellent source of information. Only a 40 people responded to scoring part of the question.

74% would use an information reference guide were it available. They would generally use a reference guide for support and information.

Questionnaires responders would like more information on caring for the Carer (49%), practical care skills (44%), support groups (47%), statutory bodies (22%), charities (11%) and caring agencies (31%). Questionnaire responders would also like more information on entitlements and respite care.

61% go to relations when they need a break/substitute as a carer. 16% use respite services.

Information is required on the following: legal issues (22%), nutrition (23%), hygiene (13%), First Aid (32%), entitlements (49%) and respite services (30%). Others include wheelchair access, toilet training and coping with stress.

35% would benefit from information on the grieving process.

62% responders feel that practical training on caring would be helpful.

37% would like a list of residential accommodation.

65% believe that it would be useful if information were provided at the time the person they are caring for was discharged from hospital.

Ends