# Older People
This month
November 2023
Varadkar not in favour of strict cut-off ages and restrictions for older drivers
The EU Commission proposes motorists over 70 may have to undergo regular medical tests and refresher courses.
This year
2023
Minister still has concerns about 'unintended consequences' of Fair Deal rental income change
Butler has concerns about the premature entries into nursing homes.
Families call for additional funding in private Cork nursing homes, as relatives face eviction
According to the families, if the government do not intervene their family members face a real risk of eviction from the Cork nursing home.
Aoife Barry: 'I can't believe I fell for the idea that to age is to diminish'
The journalist and writer says stories from her elders have taught her that life doesn’t get more boring as we age.
'In two years it will be too late': Nursing homes deliver stark warning on future of sector
“My staff don’t want to go, my residents are crying, it is just devastating,” the Director of Nursing in a Co Mayo home that is closing down said.
Irish Government ‘will move heaven and earth’ for older renters facing eviction, says minister
A new report finds a quarter of older renters expect to remain in rental sector for the rest of their lives.
Cork nursing home with 73 residents pulls out of Fair Deal scheme
The company that owns the nursing home said that they are aware that this will be a “shock” for residents.
Showing every match on RTÉ 'not realistic' - GAA responds to paywall backlash
The association has been heavily criticised for showing Munster hurling games on GAAGO instead of free-to-air television.
GAA Go creating 'invisible barrier' for older fans, says Age Action
The GAA Go platform has come in for criticism as 38 games are exclusive to the streaming service this year.
GAA Go creating 'invisible barrier' for older fans, says Age Action
The GAA Go platform has come in for criticism as 38 games are exclusive to the streaming service this year.
Slight increase announced in Housing Adaptation Grants for older and disabled people
The 2023 funding allocation is expected to result in approximately 12,300 grants for older people and disabled people to make modifications to their homes.
ALONE recommends older people to engage with their local community to combat loneliness
CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan said that the winter of 2022 was a tough time for elderly people.
Changes allowing nursing home residents to keep rent could see older people 'forced to move out'
‘It is not unknown for Sage Advocacy to have to support a client who has found that the locks on their home have been changed while they were in hospital or in a nursing home for a temporary period.’
'Go back to doing the things you love': CMO writes post-pandemic open letter to older people
Prof Breda Smyth said she wanted to reassure people who were concerned about the spread of Covid that it is safe to go out and about.
Last year
2022
Removing turf-cutting from rural Ireland would be like removing wine from the French - Varadkar
Concerns were raised about turf not being available for sale in shops, particularly given the energy crisis and rising inflation.
All time
Opinion: Older people have lost their confidence during Covid - we cannot forget them
CEO of ALONE Seán Moynihan says we owe it to our older people to put the correct plans for re-emergence.
NPHET to consider guidance for people who live alone during 'no visitor' restrictions
Concerns have been raised about the effect of the latest Covid-19 restrictions on older people, single parents and those who live alone.
Explainer: What is the current situation with Covid-19 in nursing homes in Ireland?
NPHET raised concerns over outbreaks in nursing homes last weekend.
People warned to be 'exceptionally careful' in interactions amid increase in Covid-19 cases among older people
The majority of coronavirus cases in August were among young people, but there has been an increase in cases among older people recently.
'I can't imagine not leaving your home for four months': The impact on older people of following the Covid-19 rules
As we face into longer-term restrictions, ensuring proper supports for older people who’ve had to cocoon has been described as vital.
'This is a huge scandal': No definitive plan for transferring of patients to nursing homes, committee hears
The committee heard from Hiqa this afternoon that the HSE “did not know this sector”.
21 confirmed Covid-19 deaths recorded at one Dublin care home for older people
Home help workers might be redeployed to nursing homes, said Minister Simon Harris.
Elderly and vulnerable reach out as helplines receive 8,000 calls for assistance
ALONE charity received 3,121 calls in four days.
Govt launches 'befriending' phone-call initiative for older people in response to Covid-19 crisis
In the UK, a care home is inviting people to “adopt a grandparent” by holding video calls with its residents.
Minister Simon Harris 'to immediately address' PPE shortages in nursing homes
Minister Simon Harris met with representatives of nursing homes today to discuss their role in the Covid-19 crisis.
Harris doesn't like the word 'cocooning', but he says it's being done to keep those over 70 safe and well
The minister said common sense will prevail if someone over 70 works in an essential service.
Minister: 'Please stop putting messages up online that are frightening young and old'
The government is engaging with social media companies about the spread of misinformation.
'No exceptions': HSE boss says Covid-19 guidelines can't be relaxed for Mother's Day
Paul Reid says there must be compliance every day, regardless of what celebrations are on.
Older people enjoy dedicated shopping sessions at supermarkets
Iceland, Tesco and Lidl introduced the initiative amid incidents of stockpiling as the nation grapples with the coronavirus outbreak
'Take the time to talk it through. Explain what it all means': The helpline demystifying Covid-19 for older people
A dedicated helpline by organisation Alone is supporting older people across the country as the coronavirus outbreak continues.
Nursing home complaints: Allegations of abusive staff and unexplained injuries
The allegations are contained in documents released to TheJournal.ie under the Freedom of Information Act.
'Christmas can be a very lonely time of the year': People asked to look out for the elderly this winter
The advice comes as part of the Dublin City Council and Alone’s cold weather initiative.
Some pensioners in South Dublin to be hit with council house rent rise of more than €600
“Multi-person households” that include pensioners will not receive the €10 weekly discount.
Three in four older Irish adults suffer from two or more medical conditions at the same time
Women have “a more complex network” of conditions, according to new research.
HSE saving measures to target older people and those with disabilities 'in order to break even'
The HSE boss has denied it is undertaking any cost-cutting measures.
Benzodiazepine use in Irish over 65s is higher than international average
Benzodiazepine medicine use in women over 65 years is 40% higher than in men, finds a new report.
First of its kind fund launched to tackle loneliness
The first of its kind fund will go towards helping local groups and community-based projects.
'Standing up for their generation': These older people are getting tattoos to fight ageism
Alone, the charity that supports older people at home, is aiming to raise €10,000 during the event.
'I feel more secure': How HomeShare has been bringing the old and young together
We visited John and Amy who have been taking part in the service.
