ALONE encourage public to check in on older neighbours during cold spell

ALONE is urging older people to take extra care following the status yellow weather warning issued nationwide by Met Éireann. Significant accumulations of snow and temperatures as low as -3C are expected as part of the warning, which is in place from Tuesday morning until 6pm on Saturday.

ALONE is advising older people who are concerned about their own wellbeing during the cold weather to call for assistance and help if needed. ALONE is also calling on members of the public to check on their older neighbours and assist them if they need to travel to the local shop or post office during the bad weather.

Older people can be more vulnerable during cold weather and snowy conditions.Older people most at risk include those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented, “We must all be conscious of the advice from Met Éireann, especially as the update this morning pointed to an increased concern of snowfall. We are asking members of the public to remember their older neighbours living alone and to consider their needs, such as food, essentials or possibly medication pick up. We’re advising older people to stay indoors where possible once the cold weather takes hold, and to take care in order to avoid falls on ice or sleet.”

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 who can 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.