Older people advised on independent living in Cork

A recent event to promote independent living for older people was held in North Cork and was attended by more than 50 people.

The gathering was intended to connect older people and their carers with local emergency services in a non-emergency setting, and to raise awareness about the Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme.

The event, which was held in Mallow’s Hibernian Hotel, was supported by the Cork County Council Age Friendly programme, in conjunction with the emergency services, the Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme, and AIB.

Local gardaí gave talks on road safety, on how to be protected against scams, and on the Herbert Protocol, a tool used to help locate people with dementia who may have gone missing.

Cork County Fire Service gave a presentation on fire safety in the home, and provided information on the grants available for smoke alarms.

Ambulance personnel gave a presentation explaining their roles, from emergency response to alternative pathways of care.

All three emergency services stressed that older people should not be afraid to call 999/112, if they need help.

Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme representatives explained how the service works and spoke of the resources available to help people to continue living in their own homes for longer.

AIB gave a talk on financial safety.

Deputy Mayor of County Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle, said that such events gave older people the opportunity to strengthen community connections.

“Also, the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme is available to older people in our community to keep them safe, well, and living in their homes for longer,” said Mr Doyle.

The event had come about as a result of discussions carried out by the Cork County Older Peoples Council, which had identified a desire among older people for closer engagement with their local emergency services, particularly An Garda Síochána.