ALONE Highlights Urgent Need for Supports for Older People on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ALONE is urging renewed national focus on ensuring that older people with disabilities can remain safe, well, and independent in their own homes. As disability becomes more common with age, the organisation warns that Ireland’s current supports are not keeping pace with the needs of an ageing population.  

Recent Census data shows that 22% of people in Ireland (1.1 million individuals) report having a disability. The prevalence increases sharply with age: 41% of people aged 60 and over live with some form of disability, rising to 76% among those aged 85+. Despite this, many older people do not have access to the essential supports that allow them to stay safely at home.  

Many older individuals are living in homes that were never designed to accommodate mobility challenges or age-related disabilities. Others are struggling to access services due to long waiting lists, inconsistent provision across regions, and the unaffordability of adaptations and assistive technology.   

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said: “These figures show the reality for thousands of older people living with disability. We must ensure that ageing at home is a real option for everyone, with the right supports in place. This means accessible housing, home care, assistive technology, and services designed to uphold dignity and independence.”  

Over the past two years, ALONE has seen a growing number of older people presenting with multiple needs. This year, 60% of individuals assessed sought support for physical health needs. Many of these needs, ALONE notes, could be better managed with earlier access to appropriate home- and community-based supports.  

To ensure that older people with disabilities can continue living safely in their homes and communities, ALONE is calling on Government to:  

• Ensure that 25% of all new housing is built to Universal Design standards, including 82,500 social homes to Universal Design standards by 2040, making homes accessible and future-proofed for older people and people with disabilities;  

• Implement the outstanding recommendations of the Housing Adaptation Grants Review, enabling older people to access essential home adaptations quickly and without unnecessary barriers.  

• Expand and adequately fund the HSE Community Funded Aids and Appliances scheme, including coverage for digital assistive technologies that support ageing at home;  

• Ensure equity of access to services in older age, including home support, mental health and online services.  

“Ireland’s population is ageing rapidly,” Moynihan added. “If we fail to act now, thousands of older people with disabilities will be left without the supports they need to remain safe and well in their own homes. We need a system that truly responds to the realities of growing older with a disability.” or more information about ALONE please visit alone.ie