Family carers urged to make carers count by answering ‘Yes’ to Question 23

March 2022: Census 2022 is just around the corner and Family Carers Ireland is running a national campaign titled “Q23 – Is this Me?” to encourage all family carers to identify themselves on their census form by answering ‘Yes’ to Question 23

Q23 asks the following:

“Do you provide regular unpaid personal help or support to a family member, neighbour or friend with a long-term illness, health issue, an issue related to old age or disability?” And If Yes, for how many hours per week?

The purpose of this question is to gain an accurate measure of the number of family carers in Ireland and the number of hours of care they provide for loved ones.

Conducted once every five years, the census gives everyone in the country an opportunity to be counted and have their voices heard. The data that is collected helps to plan for essential services such as healthcare, education, transport and social care.

As the number of family carers in Ireland today is thought to be much higher than previous figures suggest, Family Carers Ireland believes there is a crucial gap in the census figures and many of those caring for loved ones with additional needs are not being counted because they haven't identified themselves as family carers on previous census forms.

It is therefore vital that every person providing care in the home answers 'Yes' to Question 23 on April 3rd. This applies to everyone regardless of whether they are in receipt of a social protection payment such as Carer's Allowance or not or whether they are providing full or part-time care. It is also imperative that each family carer writes in the number of hours of care they provide per week, whether this is just one hour per week or if they care 24/7 (168 hours).

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland said: “It is vital that all those providing care identify themselves as a family carer in this year's census by answering ‘Yes’ to Question 23. Data collected on health and unpaid care contribute to the funding, development and planning of services and supports for family carers and those for whom they care.

“If you are caring for a loved one, please ensure you are counted on April 3rd by answering ‘Yes’ to Question 23. Together, we can ensure that the government knows the true number of family carers and the full extent of the care that they provide within their homes which prop up our health services.”

Sarah Houlihan, Carer Support Manager Kildare/Wicklow said: “If you look after or provide help or support to anyone because they have a long-term physical or mental health condition or illness, you are a family carer. Whether you receive a social welfare support such as Carer’s Allowance or not, you are still an unpaid family carer and should be counted. By sharing details of your caring role on the census, you will help to build a national and regional picture that can inform the provision of essential supports and services in future.

For more information please contact:

Name: Sarah Houlihan, Carer Support Manager

Telephone number: 086 0213749

Email address: [email protected]

About Family Carers Ireland

Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental ill-health, or addiction. It provides a range of services and supports for family carers through its Carer Support Centres nationwide and through its National Freephone Careline 1800 24 07 24.

See www.familycarers.ie for more information.