People who are full-time carers have spoken about how the Covid-19 emergency is affecting them. Jane Johnstone from Wexford cares for her two sons.
Evan, 19, has autism, is non-verbal and has profound intellectual disabilities. He is 1.93m (6'4") and has 50% vision. She said he does not understand that Covid-19 means that the family has to stay at home.
Her other son, 15-year-old Daniel, also has autism but "has some understanding that the world is closed", she said. Ms Johnstone said she lives "day to day" but said "the structure and routine that we depend on to negotiate our lives has been withdrawn due to Covid-19." She described Evan as a "gentle giant" but said his behaviour is particularly challenging at the moment. "When