ALONE express concern for vulnerable older people ahead of heatwave
PRESS RELEASE
Charity asks communities to maintain contact with older living alone
Dublin, 25th June 2018 ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, is urging older people to take extra care as temperatures expect to approach 30 degrees this week. They also ask members of the public to check in on their elderly neighbours.
Met Eireann have forecast hot weather conditions for the coming week, with overnight temperatures reaching low to mid teens. ALONE are encouraging older people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight for extended periods and wear lighter clothes made of natural fabrics.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented, “Older people, and their families and neighbours, should be conscious that they are more at risk of dehydration. Older people’s receptors for thirst are less keen, so they can go for extended periods without feeling the need to drink even if they’re verging on dehydration. What’s more, factors such as poor circulation, heart, lung or kidney problems can also heighten the dangers.”
He continued, “We ask that everyone remembers their older neighbours living alone and to consider their needs, especially those with health issues, and those with limited mobility. A visit from a friend, family member, or neighbour to check on an older person’s food and water supplies and security, as well as to simply offer some company, can make a huge difference.”
Further information, including advice and tips for older people in adverse weather conditions, can be found at www.alone.ie.
For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032 or visit www.alone.ie.
ENDS
About ALONE
Established in 1977, ALONE supports older people to age at home. ALONE works with those who have issues with loneliness and social isolation, lack of services, poor health, poverty, homelessness or housing. ALONE provides Support Coordination, Housing with Support, Befriending and Campaigning services to over 1,000 older people nationwide every week. ALONE’s services are quality approved and are delivered 365 days a year.
For more information contact:
Lauren Freir, Limelight Communications, [email protected], 01 668 0600, 087 238 0853
Kathryn Byrne, Limelight Communications, [email protected], 01 668 0600, 085 233 6033