Marion O'Sullivan has been caring for her 65-year-old brother Stephen since 2007 and was speaking after the publication of a new report from Family Carers Ireland that illustrates how close some carers are to poverty.
The report explores the direct and hidden costs of looking after a family member and says that costs far outweigh the supports available.
The areas with the largest additional related costs include transport, personal care, clothing, and household adaptations.
Speaking to RedFM News, Marion O'Sullivan says the government should commission an investigation into the difficulties being faced by family carers and outlines how her life has been impacted by being one:
"It is extremely difficult to be a carer in this country. I think there's an attitude out there of 'but sure he's her brother- why wouldn't she look after him?' And as much as I love my brother, I still have to live and trying to get any services for him or trying to get anybody to look after him or trying to get respite for myself is just ridiculous. Ridiculous."
