Una Crawford O’Brien reflects on the heartbreak of finding full-time care for Bryan Murray

Una Crawford O'Brien has bravely spoken out about the heartbreaking decision to find full-time care for her partner

In a moving interview with Ireland AM, the Fair City actress said finding full-time care for Bryan was not an easy decision, and one that didn't come lightly.

She shared that she decided to find a nursing home for Bryan after the disease 'galloped' in the past year.

"Last year was so difficult. It was heartbreakingly difficult, because the illness just galloped… and he got to the stage where he really didn’t know me, and his mood changed. He became difficult, Bryan, who would never be difficult, and he became extremely difficult and unhappy in himself."

"It was terrible to watch. This was the person that I knew loved me dearly, and didn’t know who I was. I was this stranger issuing out orders, is how he saw it… Anyone who’s a carer will know what I’m talking about, you tread on eggshells."

Una said that putting Bryan into full-time care was "the most difficult thing I ever did."

She also spoke out about the Fair Deal Scheme, which offers financial support to those with loved ones in full-time care.

Viewers have praised Una for opening up about the heartbreak of being a carer, and the devastating decisions you have to make.

Una called for improvements to the scheme as she faced many difficulties when applying for it during an already distressing time.