PEOPLE dealing with senior citizens in Limerick have described as “heartbreaking” figures gathered by a help line that recorded more than 500 calls from desperate older people in the city and county over the first six months of this year.
The Senior Help Line – a national service – said the number of calls made to them “highlights the vulnerability and isolation felt by many older people, and the need and demand for the peer-to-peer telephone listening service”.
Some of the most common problems voiced were isolation and pressure from younger relatives to hand over money or provide excessive babysitting services.
Claire Gallery, a development worker with Limerick Seniors Forum said she is “not surprised,” at the volume of calls received from the city and county.
“It’s heartbreaking and we hear about these two issue every day. Particularly in this climate, family members who are desperate for money are putting pressure on parents and grandparents to part with sums they may have put aside. Isolation is still a big issue for many people who are either physically or otherwise unable to get involved in community initiatives,” Ms Gallery told the Limerick Post.
Seniors Help Line operators, Third Age, said they have been told by older people that they have been alone for days, don’t have food, can’t get out, are behind with rent, under pressure from younger relatives who “want their inheritance now,” and some have spoken about ending it all.
Third Age chief executive Aine Brady said: “People call us for many reasons. Whatever the reason, it is important that they have an outlet to talk to other people when they need it. Many older people find themselves alone and isolated. With no one to share a burden or a moment of laughter. We invite any older person who is worried about issues concerning health, family, loneliness or any other matter to call us on 1850 440 444”
Meanwhile, the Limerick Seniors Forum is organising an information event for communities on how to set up Care and Repair schemes and for older people on entitlements when it comes to home insulation and security. The event takes place on Wednesday September 24 in the exhibition area in City Hall at 2pm
