Award honours Mayo family carer
FAMILY Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers, has announced that this year’s Netwatch Mayo Family Carer of the Year is Caroline Heneghan Dixon from Ballina.
This prestigious accolade recognises the exceptional dedication and commitment of family carers across the nation who provide vital care at home for loved ones with additional needs.
Caroline cares for her 14-year-old son Jason and was nominated for the award by her sister Bridie Lavelle.
Jason was born with congenital myopathy with a MEGF10 mutation with severe scoliosis. He also has restrictive lung disease requiring him to use a ventilation machine called a BiPAP to help him breathe. He suffered a stroke resulting in the loss of movement in his left arm and leg.
Despite all of this, Jason remains strong and keeps going with the care of his mother. He started back into second year in his wheelchair and is the only student in Ireland attending secondary school with a BiPAP machine.
Bridie says: “His mother Caroline is his hero. She has never spent one night away from him and does so much for Jason and her three daughters without any complaints.”
Now in their 16th year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards continue to pay tribute to the remarkable work of over 500,000 family carers in Ireland who care for 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.
As a society, it is vital that we truly recognise and acknowledge the contribution of family carers. They play a critical role in maintaining the wellbeing and dignity of their loved ones, enabling them to receive the care they require in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Collectively, family carers contribute a remarkable 19 million hours of unpaid care each week. If the State were to seek to replace this support, it would cost an astonishing €20 billion annually.
Family Carers Ireland says that while the awards provide an opportunity to shine a light on the often-hidden work of Ireland’s family carers, they also seek to underscore the importance of ensuring all family carers can access the essential supports and services they need care safely at home such as access to appropriate financial compensation, respite and therapies for their loved ones.
Michelle Moriarty, local community supports manager with Family Carers Ireland, expressed the significance of this award: “The Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards not only recognise the dedication and sacrifices made by every single-family carer, but also serve as a powerful reminder of the crucial role they play in our society. Their resilience, love and support are immeasurable. Their contributions are a testament to the strength of our community. Caroline’s story reflects the commitment, love and hard work exhibited by family carers throughout the country.”