This Christmas, give a helping hand to an older person

THIS Christmas, ALONE, the organisation that supports older people, is encouraging members of the public to give a helping hand this Christmas and into the new year, by reaching out to check in on the older people in their lives who may be struggling at the moment.

ALONE is also urging older people experiencing loneliness this Christmas to get in touch with them if they require support.

For many older people, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year, made more challenging this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The organisation has asked members of the public to consider donating to ALONE to ensure that the organisation can continue its work with older people who are struggling during the colder winter months.

The donations that ALONE receive from the public at Christmas help to continue supporting older people across the country.

The organisation has outlined a number of ways in which members of the public can reach out and give a helping hand this Christmas, including but not limited to:

• Calling an older person in your life who may be feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas for a chat, and to remind them that there are people who care for them.

• Planning a short socially distanced visit with an older person, respecting their wishes and what type of contact they are comfortable with.

• Checking in with older neighbours, friends and relatives to ensure they have enough supplies to keep the house at a comfortable temperature.

• Getting in touch with the older people in your life to ensure that they have enough supplies in their home, enabling them to stay in when we are experiencing dangerous conditions on very cold, winter days.

• Offering to pick up groceries, prescriptions and other essentials for older people so that they can avoid crowds.

• Checking in with an older person over the festive period to ensure they have everything they need and if they don’t, link them in with ALONE.

The organisation is also urging the public not to forget about the older people in their lives after the festive season.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, commented: “The Christmas season is no doubt a wonderful time of year, but it can be a very lonely and difficult period for older people, particularly now with the presence of Covid-19 in our lives. Even a couple of minutes out of your day can make a huge difference to an older person who is struggling this year.

"We can all be guilty of getting caught up in the build up to Christmas as we reunite with friends and family, but it is important to remember that some older people may not have these connections to spend the festive season with. We hope that communities will come together to reach out to older people in need of support or assistance, and, if they need it, to encourage them to pick up the phone and get in touch with ALONE.”

He continued: “This year we have seen huge growth and connection to thousands of additional older people who may not have previously required our services. We are delighted to be able to help so many older people when they need it most, which would not be possible without the support we receive from the public.

"We want to thank everyone one who has, and continues to, support us. We are asking that this support continues, so that we can sustain delivery of important services nationwide.

"Many older people are often embarrassed to reach out, and think that by asking for help and support they are burdening people. ALONE want them to know that they deserve the support they require and should not be afraid to ask for help if needed.”

Contact ALONE if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Their National Support Line is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on 0818 222 024.

Further information can be found on https://alone.ie/.