DDS4OP are available with info for seniors
IN what is a particularly difficult and worrying time for those in the community over the age of 70, Drogheda and District Support for Older People have urged anyone in need of help or support to contact them by phone.
Spokesperson Dave Turner said this is a particularly lonely and isolating time for older people as the they are advised to stay away from their grandchildren and wider extended family.
‘ The older generation generally wouldn’t have as much access to the internet or social media and because the situation is changing so rapidly it can be hard to find the exact information they need,’ he said.
‘ They are relying on the radio and television which although a great source of updates may not always be able to provide the information they are looking for.’
He said volunteers are available to take calls, answer queries and provide any support they can throughout the morning and an answerphone system will be in operation during the day. ‘If there are older people who have concerns or need information please contact us, we will do whatever we can to help people,’ he said.
The organisation has cancelled their English conversation classes, crochet and the Monday Morning Club until further notice but other services, including the ‘Good Morning Drogheda Call’.
This free and confidential service offers a telephone call (during the normal working week) to check that people are safe and well. This reduces feelings of isolation, insecurity, loneliness and vulnerability.
This service may be particularly important to some who are finding it difficult to cope with the enforced isolation from loved ones as the country continues to battle to contain Covid-19.
‘We understand this is a worrying time, particularly for older people who may be living on their own and have to spend a few weeks in isolation, so we just want to let them know we are here if there is anything they need,’ said Dave.
‘We are here in the morning and we operate an answerphone service after that. We don’t normally work on the weekend but we might have to start depending on how things go in the coming weeks.’ Anyone who would like to contact DDS4OP should call 1800200100, 041-98447764or 086-3772777.