Ballinagh lady wins Carer of the Year award

A Ballinagh woman who cares for a family friend with poor eyesight has been named as the Cavan Family Carer of the Year.

Carmel Ellis from Ballinagh received the honour, organised by Family Carers Ireland, and sponsored by Netwatch.

Carmel cares for family friend Maura Ellis who has poor eyesight due to a degenerative eye condition and poor mobility. She plays a very active role in the community and is involved in many local initiatives including Meals on Wheels and the community bus service.

Carmel gives of herself fully to the needs of others, goes out of her way to help people in the community and is always just a phone call away if needed.

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.

“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," said Brigid Finnegan of Family Carers Ireland. "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.”