(Note: Figures for ongoing engagement data have been revised as of November 29, 2024, due to a correction in analysis)
This Enhanced Community Care (ECC) report provides a detailed national overview of the support ALONE delivered in Q1 2024, emphasising its collaboration with the HSE to enhance person-centred community health services and improve the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Key insights from Quarter 1 2024 include:
• 21,630 older people were supported across all ALONE services
• 3,791 older people were newly supported
• Ongoing was support provided to 9,152 individuals
Key issues identified in assessments by older people include:
• 57% experienced loneliness
• 47% had physical health issues
• 31% faced mobility challenges
• 26% had mental health issues, particularly Dementia/Alzheimer’s.
• 32% had housing issues, mainly needing adaptations.
• 27% faced financial difficulties, primarily related to utilities
• 29% reported personal care concerns, especially regarding access to GP services and nutrition.
The report highlights several critical areas that require focused attention to better meet the needs of older adults, including housing adaptations and safety, social isolation and community engagement, mental health services, and addressing increasing service demand.
