The Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme promotes ageing and care in place, enabling older people to benefit from an integrated system of care and practical support in their community while remaining at home. By focusing on community care, it aims to relieve pressure on hospitals by reducing admissions and waiting lists.
This Enhanced Community Care (ECC) report presents a comprehensive national overview of the support provided by ALONE in Q3 2024, emphasising its partnership with the HSE to enhance person-centred community health services and improve the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Key highlights from Q3 2024 are listed below:
- 32,271 older people supported across all ALONE services.
- 3,857 newly supported
- Ongoing support provided to 12,099 individuals.
- 28,604 volunteer visits and 55,209 Telephone support and Befriending calls
Key issues reported by older people include:
- 51% experienced loneliness
- 53% had physical health concerns
- 36% experienced mobility challenges, with an increase in mobility fixture difficulties
- 25% had mental health issues, particularly Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- 32% faced financial difficulties
- 33% had housing issues
- 27% experienced personal care concerns, especially regarding access to GP/Primary Care services and nutrition
- Assistive technology was involved in 17% of interventions
The reports highlights several critical areas that require focused attention to better meet the needs of older adults, including strengthening community and healthcare partnerships, increasing people’s awareness of available services, expanding the volunteer network and addressing regional disparities, enhancing financial and housing supports, and combatting loneliness and fostering community engagement.
