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ALONE calls on Government to implement an immediate and actionable plan for home care services

August 6, 2020

The organisation urges for a prompt implementation of the strategic plan for vulnerable older people at once, reflective of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

ALONE, the organisation which supports older people has highlighted the need for increased home care services across the country, enabling older people to remain at home as they age. The organisation remains concerned about the hidden impacts of COVID-19 on the older people who use its services. ALONE has stated that current home care services must be improved to meet the ever-rising demand for older people to age safely at home, and that long-term plans must be developed to achieve this as the rippling effects of the pandemic advance further.

Many older people are experiencing increased frailty and loss of muscle mass as a result of extended periods of cocooning during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to increases in the number of falls and other injuries related to inactivity. Long periods of physical inactivity while cocooning can cause ‘deconditioning’ and loss of muscle mass, resulting in an increased fall risk among older people. ALONE are encouraging older people to try and take light exercise, outdoors if possible, to maintain good physical health. Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls, mostly at home, and falls are the leading cause of injury, disability and admission to nursing homes for this group.

ALONE are continuing to push for the nationwide implementation of the Sláintecare model, as the organisation believes that in order to ease pressure on health services, Ireland must increase capacity in the number of hospital and ICU beds available, along with rolling out and encouraging the uptake of flu vaccinations and others for preventable diseases. The organisation have also encouraged the new Government to proceed with implementing the new mental health policy, and ensure that it has the necessary funding available to fully respond to the mental health issues arising from COVID-19 and beyond, and that a national plan for addressing loneliness is developed with the proper funding.

ALONE support the urgent review of nursing homes as proposed by the Oireachtas Special Committee on COVID-19, should a second wave of the virus occur. Over 50% of all COVID-19-related deaths occurred in nursing homes, and ALONE believe that plans should be put in place to ensure adequate staffing levels and infection control in the event of a second wave, to protect older people with increased vulnerability to the virus.

The home care sector has also suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many home care workers losing pay during the pandemic despite the fact that the HSE agreed to pay providers who had to take time off work to self-isolate. Many clients of homecare service providers cancelled their care hours in order to cocoon and protect themselves from the virus. In addition to this, many home care workers lost pay while self-isolating after coming into contact with a positive case of COVID-19. This resulted in some care workers experiencing a significant loss of income and put them under financial pressure.  ALONE believe that increased supports are needed for home care workers in order for them to continue the valuable service they provide.

ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan said, “We are trying to get the message across that home care services need to be escalated to meet the increasing demand for older people to age at home. There must be an emphasis put on creating a system with longevity, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of COVID-19 has highlighted the continuing need for a whole-Government approach which must extend beyond the current crisis. We need an overarching health and social care strategy that helps to inform and integrate existing strategies regarding health and social care.”

He continued, “Nursing Homes are not a desirable alternative, services need to tilt towards allowing people to age at home. The backlog of supports needed must be addressed urgently, and it is vital that the appropriate services are available to older people in their communities. Many older people need support as they readjust from the inactivity and isolation of cocooning, in order to achieve this we need to see the appropriate support structures in place.”

The organisation is also advocating for a social recovery plan to run alongside an economic one, should the economy continue to suffer the effects of COVID-19. As many older people in Ireland are now living below the poverty line, ALONE believe that it is necessary to ensure a quality standard of living, which will in turn help to ease pressure on healthcare services. More attention must be given to further housing and care options, as nursing home care, while vital to those with complex needs, should not be the only option available to older people.

ALONE is encouraging older people who need advice to call ALONE on, 0818 222 024 from 8am-8pm, seven days a week. Contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.

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Campaigns

  • The Alliance of Age Sector NGO’s latest report calls for an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People
    January 25, 2023
  • Christmas Tree delivery in Willie Bermingham Place as part of ongoing effort to Share the Warmth.
    December 12, 2022
  • ALONE asks government to prepare for an older population
    December 5, 2022

Publications & Resources

  • Resources for Older People
    December 9, 2020
  • Strategic Plan
    December 9, 2020
  • Financial Statements and Annual Reports
    December 9, 2020
  • Research
    December 9, 2020
  • Quality & Transparency
    December 9, 2020

News & Media

  • Number of older people aged 70+ on the social housing waiting list crosses 2,000 for the first time
    March 24, 2023
  • ALONE asks public to check in on older people in their community during cold weather.
    March 9, 2023
  • ALONE calls for long-awaited national strategy to combat loneliness in light of ‘Hello Again World’ campaign
    March 1, 2023

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CH09 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Kevin White

089 409 0549

Support Coordinators

Northwest Dublin Inner City 

Anne Nolan 

[email protected]

087 053 5887

Northeast Dublin Inner City

Ellen Griffin

[email protected]

083 044 2512

Drumcondra, Donnycarney & Clontarf

Michael McDonagh

[email protected]

Harmonstown, Raheny & Donaghmede

Michael McDonagh

[email protected]

Beaumont, Coolock & Darndale

Fionnghuala Burns 

[email protected]

083 060 3871

Poppintree ,Ballymun, Santry

Marie Claire Carney

[email protected]

083 415 5526

Swords & Malahide

Tracey Benney

[email protected]

086 010 9933

Balbriggan, Skerries & Lusk

Shauna Lawlor

[email protected]

085 168 4911

Howth & Portmarnock 

Grace O’Driscoll 

[email protected]

086 107 9430

Clonee & Mulhuddart

Linda Murray

[email protected]

086 107 1202

Castleknock & Blanchardstown

Emma Lanigan

[email protected]

St. Margaret”s, Finglas & Glasnevin

Linda Murray

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinators

Telephone Support Coordinator

Doreen Blake 

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Anne Marie mc Allister 

Telephone Support Coordinator

Louise Ellison

[email protected]

087 130 3561

Telephone Support Coordinator

Claire Molloy 

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Sharon mcManus

[email protected]

085 731 8302

Telephone Support Coordinator

Mary Mc Hugh

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Christine Hynes

[email protected]

087 130 3561

Volunteer Support Officer

Angie Doherty

[email protected]

086 898 7715

CH08 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Greg O’Reilly

083 385 1221

Support Coordinators

East West Meath

Gary Blanchfield

[email protected]

Longford & Central Westmeath

Aisling Mulvhill

[email protected]

West Westmeath & Northwest Offaly

Karen Coan

[email protected]

087 659 0667

Offaly

Christine Marten

[email protected]

086 011 5756

South Laois

Mary Deane

[email protected]

086 107 7890

East Offaly & North Laois

Aine Greaney

[email protected]

085 110 8757

North Louth

Joanne Finnegan

[email protected]

085 721 2609

South Louth & Bettystown

Laura Hanberry

[email protected]

086 013 8850

Central Meath

Elizabeth Bates 

[email protected]

087 090 0932

North Meath & Ardee

Ciara McGivern

[email protected]

087 789 0312

Southwest Meath

Tony Byrne

[email protected]

083 064 5413

East Meath

Gabriel Gough

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Anne Murphy

[email protected]

086 035 3904

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Fiona Boyle

[email protected]

Volunteer Support Officer

Frances Sheerin

[email protected]

086 108 5965

CH07 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Natalie Johnson

083 062 5854

Support Coordinators

Rathmines, Terenure & Templeogue

Jessica Beaton

[email protected]

Drimnagh, Crumlin & Harold’s Cross

Theresa Maher

[email protected]

South Dublin Inner City

Emma Moloney

[email protected]

083 878 7007

Ballyfermot & Palmerstown

Emma Moloney

[email protected]

083 878 7007

Lucan

Rafael Guzman

[email protected]

086 013 7912

Northeast Kildare 

Annette Head

[email protected]

086 440 2893

Rathfarnham, Knocklyon & Ballyboden

Jessica Beaton

[email protected]

Tallaght & Firhouse

Natasha Kinsella 

[email protected]

Newcastle, Citywest & Saggart

Annemarie Molloy 

[email protected]

086 013 7256

Clondalkin

Rhonda Ryan

[email protected]

086 011 9265

East Kildare & Blessington 

Tara Phibbs 

[email protected]

086 084 7247

West & Central Kildare 

Deirdre Dunne

[email protected]

083 062 5966

South Kildare & West Wicklow 

Sinead Donnelly

[email protected]

085 872 1248

Northwest Kildare

Sally Morrin

[email protected]

085 872 1248

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Emma Daly 

[email protected]

086 108 2211

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Carol Hughes

[email protected]

086 076 1083

Volunteer Support Officer

Ciara Holden

[email protected]

086 108 2211

CH06 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Shelby Unger

083 060 2419

Support Coordinators

Southeast Wicklow

Mark Johnston

[email protected]

Northeast Wicklow

Samantha Keane

[email protected]

086 440 0117

Ballinteer, Stepaside & Kiltiernan 

Ciaran Cooke

[email protected]

086 319 8034

Foxrock, Carrickmines & Shankill 

Kathryne McCabe

[email protected]

086 014 1628

Milltown, Churchtown & Dundrum

Justin Tennant 

[email protected]

083 419 4186

Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey & Loughlinstown

Eva O’Dwyer 

[email protected]

087 144 4416

Stillorgan, Booterstown & Monkstown 

Ciaran Cooke

[email protected]

086 319 8034

Donnybrook, Ranelagh & Ringsend 

Daragh McDonagh

[email protected]

086 011 6704

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Ciara Solan 

[email protected]

087 936 9936

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Grainne Kennedy 

[email protected]

086 108 2524

CH05 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Lola Fitzgibbon

086 084 1360

Support Coordinators

North Kilkenny & Kilkenny City

Mary Colclough

[email protected]

086 410 8902

Central Kilkenny & South Carlow

Liz Nolan 

[email protected]

087 755 5021

North Carlow 

Clare Mullins

[email protected]

086 031 5628

Waterford City 

Doireann Gough & Conor O’Brien

[email protected]

086 013 6357

West Waterford & Tramore 

Maria Butfoy

[email protected]

086 136 4338

South Tipperary & North Waterford

Deidre O’Connor

[email protected]

086 011 8991

Central Tipperary

Catherine Power

[email protected]

Central Wexford

Aileen O’Neill

[email protected]

North Wexford

Mary Murnane

[email protected]

Southeast Wexford

Joan Slattery and Sarah Kerr

[email protected]

086 076 3958

Southwest Wexford

Natalia Gembicka

[email protected]

086 014 4915

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Una Mc Grath 

[email protected]

083 102 6217

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Tara Doyle 

[email protected]

087 328 6673

Volunteer Support Officer

Ciaran Fitzpatrick

[email protected]

087 674 4629

CH04 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Siobhan Walsh

086 084 1674

Support Coordinators

North Kerry

Niamh Blackburn

[email protected]

086 084 1882

West Kerry (Killarney , Killorgan,Kenmare & Sneem)

Shannan Howe

[email protected]

South Kerry ( Dingle & Tralee)

Sean Hughes

[email protected]

086 084 6483

Northwest Cork

Irene O’Connell

[email protected]

087 613 5090

Northeast Cork

Irene O’Connell

[email protected]

087 613 5090

East Central Cork

Patricia O’Brien

[email protected]

086 084 1381

East Cork City

Regina Heaphy

[email protected]

086 127 7560

Central Cork

Regina Heaphy

[email protected]

086 127 7560

East Cork City

Maria Willis

[email protected]

086 011 9901

Blarney , Fairhill,Faranree,
Gurranebraher,Knocknaheeny,
Hollyhill , Sunday’s Well,Mardyke , City Centre)

Jessica Twohig

[email protected]

West Cork 

Stefan Doods

[email protected]

086 011 9903

South East Cork City

Katie Siwek

[email protected]

086 127 7134

West Central Cork 

Eva Hannigan 

[email protected]

086 378 5320

Bandon, Carrigaline, Kinsale

Eva Hannigan 

[email protected]

086 378 5320

South Cork City

Mary McCarthy

[email protected]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Geraldine Commins

[email protected]

087 390 1769

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Mairead Egan

[email protected]

087 253 1380

Volunteer Support Officer

Tracey Kearney

[email protected]

086 440 9893

CH03 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Martina Kinane

087 407 4085

Support Coordinators

West Clare

 Michelle Gallagher

[email protected]

086 127 6308

North Tipperary

Alison Kennedy

[email protected]

086 127 9660

East Clare

Steph Apsel

[email protected]

West Limerick

Rosaline Normile

[email protected]

086 107 9432

East Limerick and Ballina

Orla Regan

[email protected]

South Limerick City

Deborah Blane

[email protected]

South Limerick

Sarah Minogue

[email protected]

086 013 1055

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Amy McLoughlin

[email protected]

086 107 9431

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officers

Aoife Dennehy

[email protected]

086 211 5307

CH02 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Ciaran Gilligan

083 878 6080

Support Coordinators

Central Galway & East Galway City 

Ciara Groonell

[email protected]

086 013 9448

West Galway  

Eileen Keoghan

[email protected]

085 780 190

West Galway City

Greta Klasaukskaite

[email protected]

086 108 5038

Tuam, Athenry & Loughrea (CHN Learning Site)

Mona Tillmans

[email protected]

086 012 5716

East Galway & South Roscommon

Mary Ginley

[email protected]

086 440 0667

North Roscommon & North-East Galway 

Carol Duffy

[email protected]

086 013 1569

East Mayo

Sinead Reinhardt

[email protected]

086 108 5167

North Mayo

Breda Gilligan 

[email protected]

086 011 8570

West Mayo

Eileen McKeown

[email protected]

086 136 6717

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Susan Dillon

[email protected]

086 013 4041

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officers

Karen Byrne

[email protected]

087 412 6570

Volunteer Support Officers

Paul Stafford

[email protected]

086 013 5043

CH01 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Frances Browne

087 751 6087

Support Coordinators

Inishowen (CHN Learning Site)

Bronagh Doyle

[email protected]

861716984

East Donegal

Denise McHugh

[email protected]

086 083 4393

North Central Donegal

Michael Purtill

[email protected]

086 014 5831

Cavan

Michael Kennedy

[email protected]

086 440 2894

Monaghan

Mary Ginley

[email protected]

086 440 0667

Leitrim & West Cavan

Chantelle Devaney 

[email protected]

086 084 1315

Sligo, North Leitrim & Bundoran

Geraldine McCormack 

[email protected]

086 035 3899

West Donegal

Emma Kennedy 

[email protected]

086 844 3529

Telephone Support Coordinators

Telephone Support Coordinator

Deirdre Browne

[email protected]

086 608 1026

Telephone Support Coordinator

Kate Reilly

[email protected]

083 091 4720

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officers

Helena Campbell

[email protected]

01 805 7709

Volunteer Support Officers

Hannah Laraway

[email protected]