ALONE encourage public to check in on older neighbours as orange weather warning issued
ALONE, the charity which supports older people, is urging older people to take extra care following the status orange weather warnings by Met Éireann as Storm Callum is expected to hit Ireland later today. Strong winds of 130km/h and coastal flooding are expected in parts of the country.
Older people can be more vulnerable during poor weather and stormy conditions due to the increased risk of falls and injury. More than one in five older people live alone, while one in ten older people are frail. Older people most at risk are those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility.
ALONE is calling on family, friends and neighbours to check on older people in their community 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 strong winds to call for assistance and help if needed.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented, “Following a status orange weather warnings from Met Éireann, we are calling on members of the public in the affected areas to remember their older relatives and neighbours living alone and to consider their needs. We’re advising older people to stay indoors where possible once the storm arrives.”
Further information, including advice and tips for older people in extreme weather conditions, can be found on www.alone.ie.
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.
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.
