Male carers offered help and support by Crosscare

15 Jun 2010

PRESS RELEASE
15 June 2010

Male carers offered help and support by Crosscare

A pilot project, aimed at supporting male carers has found that the men, some of whom are in their 80’s, have difficulty getting cover for just over an hour a week to take part in the support programme.

Crosscare, the social care agency of the Dublin Diocese, began the pilot programme at the beginning of last month to respond to the needs of men caring for ill or elderly wives or family members.

This week, to mark national Carers week, it is hoped the small group of men who did manage to take part in the course, will participate in an evaluation of the fledgling project with a view to extending it to help others in similar situations.

Since the 10th of May the group has been meeting on a weekly basis, attending a series of workshops designed to address their needs as carers. Among the aim of the project is to help carers cope with the isolation of their role, build social contacts, learn new skills in self care and gain knowledge of the importance of looking after yourself when you are dedicated to supported a loved one in need. The importance of stress management and nutrition and meal preparation is also covered in the workshops.

While this particular project has been aimed specifically at male carers in North Dublin, Crosscare has over 350 family carers that in a variety of situations that they support in the Dublin area.  

The Carer Support Programme’s is based in North Dublin and its aim is to help improve the quality of life of family carers who are often vulnerable and under considerable stress.

The programme is based on their experience, that if the Carer is supported, not only will the well being of the Carer be enhanced but also that the person being cared for may be enabled to stay at home for as long as is possible.

The carer support programme provides counselling, information, advice and training to family carers working full time or part time. In recent years they have expanded the outreach programme in view of the fact that many of the carers needed a support service in their own community.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  • Carers Week runs until 20th June.
  • Further information on the full range of service available from the Crosscare programme is available at www.crosscare.ie

Contact:

Michael Mc Donagh, 087-6710442