ALONE call on the general public to be mindful of older people this Halloween

ALONE, the charity which supports older people in need, is asking people to be mindful of vulnerable older people over the Halloween period. For many older people Halloween can be a distressing time with people calling to the door or setting off bangers and fireworks.

ALONE are asking parents, who may be out with children trick-or-treating, to keep an eye on their older neighbours. Some older people may welcome trick or treaters and want to engage in the fun of Halloween while others may not like to answer calls to their homes after dark. What a young person may consider to be harmless fun can be very frightening to someone who already feels vulnerable. Children and teenagers should be reminded not to disturb and upset people who may be fearful.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented “We are calling on all members of the public to check in with their older neighbours who may be living alone and to consider their needs. We are not asking people to curtail their festive fun, but we are appealing for them to be aware of where their older neighbours live and to have some consideration for the effect Halloween activities may have on them.”

ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032 for those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community or visit www.alone.ie  The charity, which depends on donations from the public, has volunteers and staff ready to act on requests for assistance, and works with other charities and bodies to ensure all calls for assistance are responded to.