Stillorgan Mother of 12-Year-Old Twins Describes Life as «Just Existing» Amid Carer Hardship

Catherine Rossiter, 52, from Stillorgan, south Dublin, cares for her 12-year-old twins, Aoife and Eoghan, who were born prematurely at 27 weeks. Aoife has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair, and has epilepsy, while Eoghan was diagnosed with autism 18 months ago. Rossiter, a divorced lecturer, describes her life as «not living but just existing» due to the demanding 14-15 hour days.

Her situation highlights a wider crisis, as Family Carers Ireland reported that 71% of family carers struggle financially, and almost half experience severe loneliness. Rossiter receives approximately four hours of respite weekly and an overnight stay every couple of weeks, but states the default answer to more respite is often no. She emphasizes that increased respite would enable her to continue caring for her daughter at home, avoiding separation or institutional care.

The Family Carers Ireland report, based on 2,930 responses, reveals half of carers are cutting back on essentials like food and heating. The charity recommends abolishing the carer’s allowance means test, introducing a new family carer payment, increasing carer’s allowance and benefit to €325 per week, making payments tax exempt, and implementing a cost of disability payment.