Almost three-quarters of family carers have never received any respite, while many fear eviction

Survey reveals family carers provide more than €20bn worth of unpaid care every year

Family carers are the backbone of Ireland’s health and social care system, but they face huge burdens. Stock photo: Getty

Catherine Fegan

Almost three-quarters of carers (72pc) have never received respite, according to a survey highlighting the harsh realities they face.

In its State of Caring 2024 report, Family Carers Ireland (FCI) found that almost half (48pc) of family carers experienced severe loneliness, despite the majority of respondents living with the people for whom they care.