A Cork woman who has cared for her severely disabled brother for the past 15 years says family carers effectively put their lives on hold while caring for their loved ones.
Former city councillor Marion O'Sullivan has been caring for her 65 year old brother Stephen since 2007 and is calling on the Government to investigate the conditions many carers find themselves in.
A new report from Family Carers Ireland is highlighting what it describes as the 'significant hardship' and 'very real risk of poverty' faced by family carers.
It also says many carers miss out on things like leisure activities and the opportunity to work and save.
Speaking to RedFM News, Marion O'Sullivan outlines how being as carer impacts her life.
"At the moment, I'm looking at accommodation for Steven now, looking for a home for Steven.
"And because he's getting so disabled, and he needs better medical care than I can provide.
"Normally I would try and take a day off or maybe go for a spin and was just down the road, to walk around there.
"I hadn't done that for three weeks, because there is so much to be dealing with, with Stephen.
"And these are all hidden things. It doesn't come to into people's minds that you're dealing with them."
