Keep an eye on older neighbours

[Posted: Wed 06/01/2010 www.irishhealth.com]

Age Action has urged people to keep an eye on their older neighbours, friends and relatives as the longest cold snap in 45 years continues.

Its spokesman Eamon Timmins said with the sub-zero temperatures forecast to continue for some time, older people who are housebound by the weather and who have not been receiving regular visits over the holiday period may be in difficulty when it comes to supplies of food, fuel and medicine.

"We are urging people to call in to their older neighbours to ensure they are safe and well. You cannot presume that another neighbour will do this - they could be expecting you to do it."

Age Action has received calls from older people who have not been able to leave their homes for up to four weeks because of the icy conditions and untreated footpaths.

It says while local authorities have worked to make main roads safe, footpaths, especially in residential areas, remain treacherous.

Mr Timmins stressed that unless friends, neighbours and relatives contact them, some older people could find themselves in real difficulty.