Public urged to give the gift of time and check on elderly

THE co-ordinator of a national helpline for the elderly has asked members of the public to be vigilant about checking in with their housebound or elderly neighbours during the dark and often bleak month that is January.

Mary Nally, chief executive of the Senior Helpline, a confidential listening service for older people by older people, says the dawning of a new year can be a time of hidden loneliness and heartache for many older people.

Ms Nally says there are many reasons why older people may be isolated. They may be living in rural Ireland some distance from neighbours; illness or disability often means they are confined indoors, or can get out only rarely.

“And while loneliness can and does occur at any age, older people can be particularly susceptible to loneliness because a spouse or relative has died, or over the years they may have seen family and friends pass away.

“The memory of these losses can be triggered at Christmas and in the new year. In terms of giving, of the most precious things we can give is our time. We would ask people all over Ireland to remember older people — think of a neighbour, a friend, think of an older relative, find out if they would like some company or contact.”

Often times callers to the helpline in January express upset at a family row which occurred at Christmas which they fear could lead to long term resentments between parents and children. Many callers, particularly those who have lost a loved one also find it difficult to face into a new year knowing that their beloved spouse/close friend is never coming back.

Ms Nally added that it was important for people to reach out to elderly or housebound neighbours who may feel increasingly isolated as the dark and inclement nights set in.

The Senior Helpline is a peer-to-peer service, in that the trained volunteers who take the calls are aged between 60 and 92.

The service received more than 8,000 calls in 2006 — a 25% increase on the previous year. Calls for 2007 have yet to be tabulated but the number is expected to be substantially higher than in 2006 with this Christmas being a particularly busy period.

Almost 70% of callers are aged between 50 and 75. Calls are also received from people concerned about older relatives and friends.

“Our lines are open seven days a week, 365 days a year and callers to the helpline are guaranteed to hear the voice of another older person at the end of the line,” said Ms Nally.

The helpline number is 1850 440444. Calls are charged at the same rate as local calls.