This document outlines the key policy asks regarding the needs identified in ALONE’s work across housing, health, finance and loneliness.
The manifesto calls on the next government to:
– Introduce a Commissioner for Older People to work across Government to ensure policy implementation for our ageing population.
– Benchmark the State Pension and other benefits to ensure older people’s incomes keep pace with the increasing cost of living, particularly for older people living alone.
– Develop, fund and execute a strategy to combat loneliness for Ireland.
– Identify and plan for the broad spectrum of housing needs of older people: and to develop targets and measure delivery of housing for older people as part of Housing for All.
– Reduce energy poverty among older people by reforming SEAI grants to ensure a just transition that includes Older People and reduces energy poverty.
– Improve access and funding to the range of community health and social care services provided to older people to support their wellbeing, particularly mental health, home support and day care services.
– Implement legislation that will safeguard all against abuse.