ALONE asks public to check in on older people during cold weather
ALONE, the national charity that enables older people to age at home is reminding the public that older people are particularly vulnerable to harm during the cold weather.
Met Éireann have issued an orange weather warning for most of the country for Thursday into Friday. ALONE has instigated its own Cold Weather Response for the older people it works with.
ALONE CEO, Seán Moynihan, commented: “We are calling on members of the public to remember their older neighbours living alone and to consider their needs; the cold weather may not last very long, but it could take place on a very important day for an older person that you know. They may have a doctor’s appointment, need to do food shopping or visit family, the cold weather affects everyone but older people continue to need the support of their friends and community. Whether it is collecting some fuel for them or just calling to say hi, a little thought goes along way to someone living alone or in need of assistance.”
He continued: “This may be a short burst of heavy weather but it may affect some more than others and it would be great if people could offer practical support where possible to the older people in their communities.”
It is important for older people in the community to stay safe and warm during the harsh weather conditions such as this. ALONE is calling on the general public to be mindful of older people that may be in need of some support. The charity advises older people to keep their homes warm during cold weather, salt their paths outside to avoid slipping, take caution when taking trips outside of the home and if they require any support to call ALONE’s National Support and Referral Line at 0818 222 024 which is open from 8am to 8pm every day.
ALONE is among the key partners in the cross-Government ‘Stay Warm and Well’ public information campaign, which urges householders and businesses to ensure that they are availing of the supports that are in place to help people through this winter.
Contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person in the community. Further information, including advice and tips for older people in extreme weather conditions, can be found on www.alone.ie .