Full-time carer (89) in Offaly pleads with Government for 'fair treatment'
Tullamore man Gilbert McDonnell is full time carer for 92-year-old wife
AN 89-year-old Tullamore man - who is the long-term carer for his wife - has issued a plea to the Government for "fair treatment" for carers.
Gilbert McDonnell, from Spollenstown, has been caring for his 92-year-old wife, Mary, who has dementia, for many years.
He revealed he recently applied for a full carers allowance but was told by the Department of Employment and Social Protection he did not qualify as he is in receipt of an old age pension.
Gilbert receives half the carers allowance which he did not object to when he originally qualified as his earnings were over the limit. He paid income tax on that allowance.
But, he said, as an old age pensioner he feels it is "totally unfair" that he is denied a full-time carers payment.
"I got the children's allowance in the past and did not have to qualify," pointed out Gilbert adding: "I'm now effectively looking after a 92-year-old child as my wife's dementia is so serious."
The Spollenstown resident said the carers allowance he receives does not cover the costs it takes him to look after his wife, who lives full time at home with him.
Speaking to the Tribune last week, Gilbert said he "wanted people to know the treatment carers are receiving."
He said he receives great support from his own family and they are all very busy working and looking after their children.
When contacted, the Department of Employment and Social Protection said they do not comment on individual cases.