Health Minister Edwin Poots has said that supporting carers is the key issue for our health service.
He was speaking at the Carers Northern Ireland event 'You're never too old to care' in Mossley Mill as part of Carers Week , which aims to celebrate the massive contribution of the 214,000 people in NI who look after a friend or family member who is frail, ill or disabled.
The Minister said: "One of my key priorities is to ensure, wherever possible, that people are helped to maintain their independence at home – I believe this is vitally important. Carers make an enormous contribution towards helping family members and friends to remain in their own homes, and live more independent, fulfilling lives.
The Commissioner for Older People, Claire Keatinge, also warned that older carers must not be taken for granted.
"Older carers support thousands of people, making it possible for them to lead dignified and fulfilled lives at home. These older carers may have health problems or disabilities themselves and sometimes struggle with the practical and emotional challenges of caring.
They need support, information, respite and practical help and must never be undervalued or taken for granted. They deserve to be provided with the support they need to help them in their caring role and to support their own health and wellbeing."
Esme Charles, who has been caring for husband Denis who has MS for about 40 years, spoke about the difficulty of asking for help and knowing where to turn. She said:
" I gave up work to look after Denis and we managed as best we could until we hit a crisis point and didn't know how to get help. You learn about caring as you go along but more information and support early on would have helped me be better prepared for what was to come."
As well as the individual speakers, the event featured an expert panel of Northern Trust Managers, Carer Esme Charles, Commissioner for Older People and our very own Advice and Information Officer Lesley Johnston.
See more pictures from the event on Facebook
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