ALONE expresses concern for older people in need in advance of extreme weather conditions
PRESS RELEASE
Charity calls on public to check on older neighbours
Dublin, 26th February 2018 ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, is urging older people to take extra care during the forecasted cold weather conditions due to hit most of the country over the next few days.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented“Cold temperatures can have a serious affect on many older people, in particular those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility. 5% of Irish people aged over 65 who lived alone were unable to keep their homes adequately warm in 2012. This figure jumped to 9.8% in 2013.[1] Given that 50% of Excess Winter Deaths (EWDs) experienced in Ireland can be linked to poor thermal efficiency in the dwellings[2], ALONE is urging older people to take extra care and encouraging those who are concerned about their own wellbeing during the cold weather to call for assistance and help if needed.”
He continued, “Following a very serious cold weather forecast by 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 warm in the cold weather by ensuring they have adequate home heating, wearing layers of light but warm clothing, eating at least one hot meal a day and staying indoors where possible.”
ALONE is appealing to members of the public to look out for the older people in the community who may live alone, have no family or may be at risk of suffering from fuel poverty, illness or loneliness. A visit from a friend, family member, or neighbor to check on an older person’s heating levels, food supplies and security, as well as to simply offer some company, can make a huge difference.
ALONE is encouraging older people to prioritise their spending on heating during the cold weather. For those who are struggling to keep up with utilities bills, you can contact your utilities company to set up a payment plan. ALONE has volunteers and staff ready to act on requests for assistance and can advise on issues relating to food, heat, or medication. Further information, including advice and tips for older people in cold weather conditions, can be found on 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
[1]Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative, Preliminary Report, March 2015, https://www.dcu.ie/sites/default/files/afu/DOH_Positive_ageing_report.pdf
[2] (DCENR): A Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty: 2016-2019,p. 27
About ALONE
Established in 1977, ALONE is an independent charity that supports vulnerable older people to age at home. We work with those who have issues with social isolation, lack of services, poor health, poverty, homelessness or housing. We provide Supportive Coordination, Befriending, Supportive Housing and Campaigning services to hundreds of older people every week. We receive no Government funding for our day-to-day activities so we rely solely on the generosity of the public to continue our work. ALONE’s services are quality approved and are delivered 365 days a year.
For more information contact:
Kathryn Byrne, Limelight Communications, [email protected], 01 668 0600, 085 233 6033
Maree Rigney, Limelight Communications, [email protected], 01 668 0600, 086 358 7153