ALONE expresses concern for older people following orange weather warning
Dublin, 19th September 2018 ALONE, the charity which supports older people in need, is urging older people to take extra care following the status orange and yellow wind warnings by Met Éireann as Storm Ali hits Ireland. With severe winds of 143km/h in some areas, power supply to some areas has already been affected.
Met Éireann said, “There will be severe or possibly damaging gusts for a time this morning especially in the west and northwest. Extreme caution is advised in the coastal districts of Clare, Connacht and Donegal this morning with Strong Gale and storm force winds here. Squally showery rain will affect many areas at first, with heavy bursts in places.”
Older people can be more vulnerable during poor weather and stormy conditions. Older people most at risk are those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility. ALONE is calling on members of the public to check on their older neighbours and assist them if they need to travel to the local shop or post office during the bad weather. ALONE is also asking older people who are concerned about their own wellbeing during the stormy weather to call for assistance and help if needed.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented, “Following a status orange and yellow weather warnings from Met Éireann, we are calling on all members of the public to remember their older neighbours living alone and to consider their needs. We’re advising older people to stay indoors where possible.”
Those who have concerns for an older person, or older people in need of assistance can contact ALONE on (01) 679 1032. The charity, which depends on donations from the public, has volunteers and staff ready to act on requests for assistance, and works in partnership to ensure all calls for assistance are responded to. ALONE can assist and advise on issues relation to food, heat, or medication. Older people are also advised to have a list of important phone numbers close to their home phone.
Further information, including advice and tips for older people in extreme weather conditions, can be found on 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