Kitty's Story

Kitty Kearney cares for her 17 year old son Tony, who has mild Downs Syndrome. And she still finds time to work part-time with The Carer's Association as a Home Respite Worker.

For the first 13 years of Tony's life, Kitty cared for him twenty four hours a day, seven days per week. Now, Tony is in Residential Care five days per week. This gives Kitty time to do some part-time work as a Home Respite Worker. "This is a huge help to me financially", says Kitty.

"When Tony is home, my days are so busy. I am always going, never get a chance to sit down. Tony is very demanding and loving boy, he wants to be out and about all the time, and he is very active", says Kitty.

"But you get back the love", she continues, "it gives you such peace of mind to see him healthy and happy. He is a very loving child - his hugs are unreal!"

Kitty is appreciative of the support she has received from the The Carers Association. "If you are passing by you know you can just call into the Resource Centre, and there is always someone there for a chat."

"It is like one big family when the carers meet up, you can share how you are feeling", says Kitty. "This really takes away the feelings of frustration and isolation you sometimes feel as a carer. It is great knowing that the Carers Association are only a phone call away."