Helpline for the elderly forced to extend its hours

A HELPLINE for the elderly has extended its hours in order to assist pensioners who are calling for advice in ever increasing numbers.

Senior Helpline is a national confidential listening service for older people run by trained older volunteers.

The service is a national programme developed and administered by the Third Age Foundation, a community organisation working for the empowerment of older people, based in Summerhill, Co Meath.

The extended hours have been made possible by the opening of a new centre in Naas, Co Kildare, and the commitment of Co Wexford volunteers who have taken on extra hours.

Senior Helpline has seen a consistent increase in caller volumes since its opening more than 10 years ago. Last year the helpline received in excess of 13,000 calls from older people all over Ireland.

Senior Helpline chief executive Mary Nally says loneliness continues to be the largest single issue. “Thirteen percent of callers cited health concerns, with 12% cent disclosing family problems as their reason for getting in touch. The economic downturn was also reflected, with 4% of callers presenting with financial problems. Calls reporting such financial worries included concerns over managing on pension, fears of losing medical card, cutbacks to community services such as home helps, worries about security of pension and investments, and anxiety regarding the economic difficulties being experienced by adult children, including fears about their unemployment or ability to pay their mortgage.”

Calls reporting elder abuse or expressing fears about elder abuse peaked in midsummer 2009. Overall elder abuse calls rose to 3%, though this also reflects a number of people who phoned frequently over a period of crisis. More females than males reported elder abuse.

“The increase in call numbers year on year and the issues raised on the helpline shows how much our service is needed. We are open every day of the year including Christmas Day,” says Ms Nally.

The Senior Helpline will have extended opening hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. On these days, from this week, Senior Helpline is open from 10am to 10pm each day. On Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Senior Helpline is open from 10am to 4pm and 7pm to 10pm.

The LoCall national number for the Senior Helpline is 1850 440 444.