Language of medical profession a difficult obstacle for carers

Language and medical terms employed by the medical profession are among the most difficult obstacles for carers and care recipients. That is according to Senator and children's rights campaigner Jillian van Turnhout, who told the launch of National Carers Week that understanding doctors was a big difficulty.

She said carers and the families of those in need of help were often left wondering “are the medics trying to tell us something or perhaps trying not to tell us something”.

The ninth National Carers Week runs from June 8th to June 14th, and will see more than 150 events across the country reflecting the work of 187,000 family carers.

Also speaking at the launch was Liam O'Sullivan, director of Care Alliance Ireland, who called for a focus on "doing something for those that contribute so much to Irish society".

“Whether you just call in, make a meal, offer help or support or, if they are far away, give them a call to say ‘you are doing something really important’, there is a huge value in simply saying ‘thank you’.”