Taking care of our boy has got so much harder

FAMILY carer Sinead Tighe said she has noticed her electricity bills increase by €100 in recent months – and has been forced to scrimp and save so that her son’s vital medical equipment can be powered.

Mum-of-two Sinead, from Tallaght in West Dublin, cares for her son Daniel who was born with Sotos Syndrome.

Daniel, 14, has a severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and a sensory processing disorder and requires 24/7 care.

Sinead said she has noticed the cost of energy increase as her electricity bill doubled.

She added: “There is a whole different pull on our money. For carers, we use a lot of electrical equipment with hoists and suctions and so on.

“The cost has doubled. I noticed €100 on my bill so far. With the use of hoists and other electricity costs, we use more than other households.

“In the evening time, I turn lights off. I have to be able to use the hoist and charge his wheelchair up.”

Sinead has also seen the cost of heating, food and diesel increase.

She said: “February and March are cold months and I’m in the house on my own until around 4pm.

“I’ve had to decide that there will be no heating on in my house until Daniel comes home.

“I have to pull back and be more economical. I watch what way I’m using the heat but we can’t be cold either.

“I need a car for my child to bring him to appointments and to go out with him.

“We used to be able to fill the tank but we’re not able to any more. We’re not getting value for money there anymore.

“We’re feeling it. We have to look more at things and I’m concerned going forward.

“The price of shopping has gone up by about €30 per week.

“That’s a hidden cost that you might not notice because you just buy what you need.”

Sinead claimed the energy credit of €113.50 that households will receive is merely a token.

She said: “It will be a drop in the ocean for everyone, not just us. It’s not sorting the problem and sorting the cost of living for the next month or month after that.

“It’s a token so they can say they’re doing something. It does nothing for the cost of living for carers.

“The cost of caring for a child with a disability is hard to quantify.

“We live month by month and just get on. As carers, we deserve a good quality of life and to be looked after.”

I have to decide on no heating until Daniel gets home SINEAD TIGHE ON JUGGLING PRIORITIES