Shamrocks made with love - Age Action
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Issue No. 245 February 2014
Shamrocks
made with love
ageing matters
in Ireland
Thousands of Saint Patrick’s Day
badges are being knitted for our
holiday fundraiser Page 7
● Make your voice heard on the next Budget now Page 3
● How will new pensions policies affect you? Pages 10-11
ISSN No: 1649-3516
2 ageingmatters february 2014
Making our votes count
How can we make a real difference by voting in the
elections for local government and the European
Parliament on May 23, 2014? For the past two years we
This booklet is a publication have been mainly concerned with national politics and
of Age Action. It is published economic development. Now we have to turn to local and
10 times a year.
European affairs and pay much more attention to social
PUBLISHER Age Action Ireland
development. We know politicians and parties will bombard
Ltd us with promises of the sun, moon and stars in return for our
votes. But can they deliver, and if so what?
ADDRESS 30-31 Lower The political parties have yet to choose their candidates or
Camden St, publish their manifestos, so we don’t even know their prom-
Dublin 2
ises, let alone their plans. We might be tempted to dismiss
them all as snake oil salesmen, but I think that could be a
TELEPHONE +353 1
475-6989 mistake and a missed opportunity.
Two important facts should make us think more deeply
about why and how we vote. Ireland has a unique place in
FAX + 353 1 475- Europe, having the lowest proportion of people older than
6011 65 and the highest proportion of people under 25. These are
often seen as problems rather than advantages that we can
EMAIL info@ageaction.ie
develop together nationally and locally.
WEBSITE www.ageaction.ie The low percentage of older people should let us develop
the best social policies and services in Europe for our slowly
ageing population by learning from countries with many more
AGE ACTION Company Limited older people. But the lack of progress may be caused by a
IRELAND LTD by Guarantee
fear of ageing and by discrimination against older people.
Registered in
The high percentage of younger people should also be
Ireland No. 198571
Charity No. CHY seen as a real advantage compared to other countries with
10583 diminishing labour forces. Younger people have a crucial
role in the future of the country if they are given the neces-
sary education and training. They are certainly required in
CHIEF EXECUTIVE Robin Webster the finance and business sectors but are also needed to run
the many services for an ageing population.
INFORMATION & Gerard Scully &
PUBLISHING Eamon Timmins
Greater equality is the glue that could bind these demo-
graphic trends and counter the widening gap between rich
SUB-EDITING AND Catherine Osborn and poor in Ireland and Europe, an urgent and global issue
DESIGN that has been forgotten in our race for economic success.
■ Cover photo: Recently, the damage caused by the widening gap between
At the launch of the rich and poor has been highlighted by Pope Francis, Presi-
St Patrick’s Day badge dent Michael D Higgins and President Barak Obama with
campaign at the National
Leprechaun Museum were
supporting evidence provided by Social Justice Ireland www.
(front) sisters Dawn and Paige socialjustice.ie and the Equality Trust http://www.equalitytrust.
Elliott of Darndale, Dublin, and org.uk.
(back) Ashley Kavanagh and So the first question we should put to our local and Euro-
Daragh Matthews.
(See story page 7).
pean candidates is: “What and how are you going to make
Photo: Marc O’Sullivan this town, county or country a fairer place for all of us?”
— Robin Webster
february 2014 ageingmatters 3
■ It is important to
make your voice
heard by attending a
consultation meeting
and/or completing a
questionnaire.
Speak up on vital Budget issues!
It seems a short time medical cards. It is there- austerity budgets on older
since Finance Minister fore very important that we people.
hear how these changes Please return the survey
Michael Noonan are affecting the lives of by post to Naomi Feely,
announced the last older people. senior policy officer, Age
Budget, but we are Firstly, we are including a Action, 30/31 Lower
short survey with this issue Camden St, Dublin 2,
already planning our
of Ageing Matters. Please email socialinclusion@
work to influence the complete the survey in ageaction.ie, or complete
Department of Finance writing or by telephone, or by phone at (01) 475-6989.
preparations for Budget email by using the contact
details below.
2015. Secondly, we will again Pre-Budget consultation
The movement of the hold regional meetings meetings will take place on
Budget from December to around the country with the these dates.
October means that our aim of consulting with as ● Dublin: March 3, 11am,
consultation work must many Age Action members Carmelite Centre, Angier
begin early in the year to as possible (see panel). It Street, Dublin 2.
ensure that the voice of is really important that we ● Cork: March 6, 2pm,
older people is heard before should meet and listen to Imperial Hotel, Cork.
the Budget is agreed. as many members as pos- ● Galway: March 11, 11am,
We need your help to sible. How else can we tell Age Action West, Small
highlight the issues of the government the impact Crane, Galway.
most importance to older austerity measures are ● Monaghan: March 5,
people! The last Budget having on the lives of older 2pm, YWCA, North Road,
included changes to crucial people? Monaghan.
supports for older people, We will be sending To confirm your attend-
including the abolition of our submission to the ance, email your name and
the telephone allowance, Government in May. We’ll meeting venue to info@
the increase in prescription also be lobbying politi- ageaction.ie or phone Age
charges and adjustments cians and raising public Action at (01) 475-6989.
to the qualifying criteria for awareness on the impact of
4 ageingmatters february 2014
■ The pendant
alarm controversy
in 2013 showed
the need for a
dedicated informa-
tion service for older
people.
Information service in great demand
2013 may not have 50% cut in the Senior Alert staff and volunteers work-
been as traumatic Scheme (Personal Alarm) ing for older people but
as 1913, but it did which caused a huge out- also you our members —
mark a shift in the cry, and the government need to tell people about
was forced to do a U-turn. Age Action’s information
Government’s attitude Calls to our Information service and encourage
to older people. Service on the issue nearly them to contact us
doubled going from 8% in Over the last number of
The draconian meas- 2012 to 14% in 2013. years the service has been
ures introduced by the On the back of public- dealing with a yearly aver-
Government in budgets ity, the number of people age of about 2,500 calls,
2013 and 2014 have left applying for the scheme or about 48 calls a week.
older people reeling. And reached a record 10,597 These are on topics such as
some of the crudest cuts last year. This compares to health 14% (generally medi-
do not come in with the 7,910 in 2011 and 9,142 in cal cards), entitlements
Budget but are introduced 2012. and benefits 13% (gener-
by individual departments. A more worrying aspect ally State Pensions), social
2013 saw what was pos- of this story is that many and recreation 8% (U3A or
sibly the worst own goal by of those ringing us said Active Retirement) among
the Government, scored they never knew the grant others.
by the Department of was available until it got We will listen to any query,
Social Welfare. And it had the publicity caused by the and if we do not have the
an immediate effect on government cut. This clear- answer, we will get it or will
the work of Age Action’s ly shows there is a need for tell you where to get it (and
Information Service. an information service dedi- we are always polite).
In January 2013 the cated to older people. — Gerard Scully, senior
Government announced a But we — not only the information officer.
february 2014 ageingmatters 5
■ There is strong
demand for classes
from older people
who want to use new
technology to remain
in contact with their
families abroad using
email, Skype and
social media.
Make this your year to learn computers
Age Action is encour- technology to remain in plexes), Kildare, Wicklow,
contact with their families Cork, Monaghan, Waterford,
aging older people to
abroad using email, Skype Galway, Mayo, Roscommon,
make a New Year’s and social media. “Many Louth and Donegal.
resolution to sign up of our learners come to us We’re also looking for vol-
to one of its specially because they are frustrated unteer tutors. Anyone with
by the growing number of a basic understanding of
designed computer advertisements which fea- computers can help, and
training courses, and ture only email or website training is provided. Tutors
so embrace all the addresses,” Ms Power said. must be available to com-
opportunities technol- “We also have savvy con- mit two hours a week over
sumers who want to avail of a four week period.
ogy offers. some of the great discounts Details of how to register
which are available only for a class or volunteer as a
We have trained more online. And then there are tutor are as follows:
than 16,000 older learners learners who are eager to ● For details nationally,
since 2007. “Our courses access information about contact Age Action at (01)
are especially designed everything from news and 475-6989 or email getting-
for older people who are current affairs, to rights and started@ageaction.ie
using a computer for the entitlements.” ● For classes or volunteer-
first time,” according to Age Action’s Getting ing in Cork or Waterford
Pauline Power, manager of Started programme is sup- contact Age Action at 021-
Age Action’s Getting Started ported by the Department 4536556 or email getting-
computer training pro- of Communications’ Benefit startedcork@ageaction.ie
gramme. “People are taught IV funds. Classes are open ● For classes or volunteer-
at their own pace, by their to anyone aged 55 and ing in Galway, Mayo or
own tutor.” older. They are currently Roscommon contact Age
There is strong demand running in Dublin (includ- Action West at 091-527831
for classes from older peo- ing in Dublin City Council’s or email niamh.hennelly@
ple who want to use new sheltered housing com- ageaction.ie
6 ageingmatters february 2014
Naomi Feely
joins Age
Action as
senior policy
officer
■ Naomi Feely – excited to meet Age Action members
Naomi Feely has joined Start Strong – a coalition of closely with the head of
Age Action as senior organisations and individu- advocacy and communi-
als committed to advanc- cation on a wide range of
policy officer. She has ing high quality care and issues affecting older peo-
over 10 years’ experi- education as a right for all ple and their families. She
ence in the areas of young children in Ireland – will also work across the
as well as working as a free- organisation to involve and
research, policy analy-
lance researcher. She has consult older people on
sis and advocacy. also worked for OPEN (rep- policy and research.
resenting lone parents) and Naomi is excited about
Before joining Age Action, the Vincentian Partnership meeting Age Action mem-
Naomi worked as policy for Social Justice. bers and including them in
and advocacy officer with Naomi will be working her work.
Day of learning at Dublin zoo
Dublin Zoo and Age Action are organising a dens. It is hoped this will become a regular
life-long learning event next month. gathering in Dublin Zoo.
The event follows the great response A charge of €6 will apply and attendees
from older people to Positive Ageing Week are welcome to enjoy the zoo for the rest of
events at Dublin Zoo in 2011 and last year. the day.
As part of the event, a presentation will The event will take place from 11.30am
be given by a zoo keeper, who will share to 12.30pm on March 12. The venue will be
stories of the zoo. Attendees will be encour- the Farm House.
aged to share memories of zoos, animals, To book a place, please contact Una
plants, and experiences of the wild while Smyth by phoning (01) 474 8932 or email-
enjoring the much-loved zoological gar- ing education@dublinzoo.ie
february 2014 ageingmatters 7
■ LEFT: St Patrick’s Day shamrock badges. RIGHT: At the launch of the Age Action St Patrick’s Day
shamrock campaign at the National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin were (from left) Age Action knitter Noirin
Lanigan, sisters Paige (6) and Dawn (4) Elliott, and Age Action’s Ashley Kavanagh and Daragh Matthews.
Photo: Marc O’Sullivan
Shamrock badges aid vital services
Age Action is urging the last month. The photo call will be available from select
for the launch took place retail outlets throughout the
public to “sham-rock”
at the National Leprechaun country.
this year’s St Patrick’s Museum in Dublin. Age Proceeds from the St
Day celebrations by Action is grateful to the Patrick’s Day fundraiser
supporting their “Made museum for providing the will help fund Age Action’s
venue free of charge. home visitation and DIY ser-
with Love” knitted “We are taken aback by vice, computer training pro-
shamrock campaign. how generous our knitters gramme for older people,
have been, with knitters in and information service.
“We thank the public for get- daycare centres, nursing “These important ser-
ting behind the campaign homes, knitting clubs and vices contributed greatly to
by knitting the Age Action individual knitters getting the quality of life of thou-
shamrock badges,” Age involved,” Mr Matthews sands of older people who
Action fundraiser Daragh said. used them last year,” Mr
Matthews said. “We now At the time of going to Matthews said. “We need
need their help when the press, thousands of badges the public’s support if we
badges go on sale.” were still pouring in ahead are to sustain and expand
The response to date has of the February 25 deadline. these services.”
been fantastic, with almost They were then being fit- Age Action members are
2,000 of the specially knit- ted with Age Action centre also being urged to play
ted badges already pro- piece pins. their part by supporting the
duced even before the pub- The shamrock badges will sale of the badges in their
lic launch of the campaign go on sale on March 1 and area.
8 ageingmatters february 2014
■ Midleton team:
(from left) Joe
Dilworth, Tús
Supervisor and
Care and Repair
Coordinator;
Karen Power, Tús
Supervisor and
Care and Repair
Administrator; and
Aidan Lomasney,
one of the Tús par-
ticipants in Midleton
Care and Repair.
Care and Repair roundup 2013
2013 was a busy year bling and inspiring. project and if successful
for Age Action’s Care Here’s a whistle-stop tour could be rolled out around
of news from Care and the country where the need
and Repair programme. Repair throughout the exists locally.
We added five new country.
community partners Westmeath
and expect to launch Cork The Westmeath group’s big-
We are delighted that for the gest development this year
a further 10 in 2014, first time we have secured a is the Home Visit service,
making a total of 40 van for the Care and Repair which has begun in the
programmes of work programme in Cork City Athlone area.
and surrounding areas. We “Volunteers are like angels
nationwide. hope to have the van on the from Heaven they are so
road early in 2014. As part nice and caring in every
None of our work would be of our plans this year, we way,” said one of our grate-
possible without the support will assign pairs of volun- ful clients, who eagerly
of our staff and volunteers teers to call monthly to our awaits her weekly visit. One
in addition to teams work- most vulnerable clients and visiting volunteer discov-
ing with community partners do whatever jobs they need. ered that she and the client
throughout the country. We This will mean that clients both came from the West of
never cease to be amazed who need our help the Ireland and shared an inter-
by the enthusiasm and most will not have to phone est in Irish music, so they
dedication of the people the office every time a job went on to have a session
involved in Care and Repair. comes up, and instead on the accordions, as both
The commitment shown by will know that a volunteer of them love playing music.
people from North Donegal will call on a regular basis The lady is in her 90s, and
to West Cork is both hum- to help out. This is a pilot was delighted to get thefebruary 2014 ageingmatters 9
chance to once again take ■ Waterford
up her passion. Care and Repair
In early December, volunteers (from
left) Martin (pro-
Westmeath C&R completed
ject manager),
a large house clear-up with Arthur, William
a number of volunteers. and Paul (trades
This “blitz” was organised people).
after concerns were raised
about the living conditions
of a client in the home
visit scheme. It involved
a great team effort by our
volunteers who undertook for those who cannot make ringing the dedicated Care
a thorough spring clean. the journey to Mass, and and Repair phone number.
Care and Repair volunteers we have enjoyed helping to “Helping the community is
organised the work for a get as many televisions as vital part of what we believe
Saturday morning and by possible tuned in.” in, and the feedback from
lunch time, the house was Midleton Care and our clients has been very
ship-shape. Repair has also now built positive so far. We are
up a fantastic database of delighted with the way the
Midleton skilled, trustworthy trades- service has grown, and
Karen Power, the Midleton men for the bigger jobs. long may that continue.”
supervisor, says: “When “Sometimes the job is just
Care and Repair got up and too big for us and may Waterford
running in August 2012, it require an electrician or a Care and Repair launched
was all brand new to us. We plasterer,” Mr Dilworth said. in Waterford in July 2012
wondered how the service “Over the last 15 months, and has grown from
would work, but we needn’t we have got to know and strength to strength. Client
have worried, because use some very good trades numbers are thriving so
without doubt it has been a people from the locality much that the partnership
huge success.” who are very fair in price. has recently put a third
As well as general jobs We were amazed by the van on the road to meet
like small repairs, moving trades people who called demand for the service.
furniture, gardening, paint- in to us at SECAD offer- There are nine members of
ing and many others, the ing their services free! We staff working on the team.
Midleton Care and Repair can now confidently send They are passionate and
team through its coordi- a skilled person to our cli- highly skilled and will go the
nator Joe Dilworth is now ent with the knowledge that extra mile to support local
working on a new project they will be given the best clients.
involving the local parish possible work at the best
church. “The local church possible price, and that is
broadcast Mass on a dedi- crucial for the service.”
cated television channel Also involved in the For further information
and we have been inun- Midleton Care and Repair on Care and Repair,
dated with calls from our service is administrator please contact Claire
clients to help tune in the Frances Burke. She is the Bellis at (01) 475-6989
channel for them,” Joe said. person you are most likely or John O’Mahony (021)
“This is a wonderful service to hear on the phone when 453-6554.10 ageingmatters february 2014
■ Age Action had meetings with the Government about the ending of the transition pension, amid con-
cerns over the impact it would have on older workers forced to retire from their jobs at 65.
How new pension policy will affect you
January 1 marked a age for the State Pension where an individual has at
new departure in Irish from 66 to 67, which will least 156 social insurance
happen in 2021. In 2028 the contributions and is 65
pension policy, and one eligibility age will increase years of age they will con-
that will have an impact to 68. tinue to receive Jobseeker’s
on many workers in Age Action had meetings Benefit until their 66th birth-
with the Government about day.
their mid 60s.
the ending of the transition Since January 1, new
pension, amid concerns administrative changes
The State Pension (transi- over the impact it would have been introduced to
tion) was abolished at the have on older workers ease older workers who are
start of the year. Previously forced to retire from their 62 years of age and over
those with sufficient stamps jobs at 65, but unable to into the jobseeker schemes.
would have received this claim their State Pension for Individuals who exit the
pension between their 65th a further year. A number of workforce before pen-
and 66th birthdays, sub- measures were introduced sion age and on foot of
ject to conditions. The next to address some of these the abolition of the State
phase in the roll-out of the issues. Pension Transition may
State’s pension policy will Under legislation which seek the support of either
be to increase the eligibility has existed for many years, the Jobseeker’s Benefit orfebruary 2014 ageingmatters 11
Get involved at the TOP
Are you interested in taking part in The range of research studies, from university stu-
Opinion Project (TOP)? We want to engage dent dissertations to large-scale nationwide
Age Action members as much as we can and projects.
represent them in our advocacy, policy and Once in the TOP programme, we will con-
research work. tact you on approximately every 6-8 weeks
Through TOP, Age Action members can sign and will get in touch with you by your pre-
up to be consulted on our ongoing efforts to ferred method of communication (eg by email,
influence policy change. Also, we regularly telephone or by post).
receive requests from researchers looking for If you are already an existing Age Action
people to participate in their research projects. member and wish to join TOP, please email
By signing up to TOP, you will receive Sarah at membership@ageaction.ie or call
updates and information on engaging in a (01) 475-6989.
the Jobseeker’s Allowance seekers may be required and their payments will be
schemes. In order to to have a more frequent paid directly into their bank
qualify for either of these engagement with their accounts.
payments, an individual respective Local Office, eg In summary, the changes
must be genuinely seeking casual jobseekers aged 62 for jobseeker benefit and
and available for full-time and older will continue to allowance customers aged
employment. Both of these be required to submit week- 62 and older, effective from
conditions will continue to ly dockets of their work pat- January 1, 2014, are:
apply to older jobseekers. terns. ● The mandatory require-
Ordinarily, people receiv- Older jobseekers aged 62 ment to comply with
ing a jobseeker’s payment and over will still be able to activation processes will
must also engage with the avail voluntarily of an array no longer apply to job-
Department’s activation of supports, which are avail- seekers aged 62 to 65,
measures and can face able from the Department who will not be subject
sanctions if they fail to do if they wish to return to to penalty rates;
so. On foot of changes work, training or education. ● These jobseekers may
the Minister introduced, However, sanctions such avail of departmental
this requirement will now as penalty rates will not be supports on a voluntary
be eased for jobseek- applied should they decide basis;
ers aged 62 and older. they do not wish to engage ● Most jobseekers aged 62
They will no longer be with the activation process. or over will be placed on
required to engage with In addition, special a yearly register arrange-
the Department’s activation arrangements will be made ment with their local
process. so that the majority of social welfare office; and
However, the easing of older people receiving a ● Most jobseekers aged 62
requirements will not apply jobseeker’s payment will and older will be trans-
to all older workers. Certain have to register with their ferred to Electronic Fund
categories of older job- local office only once a year, Transfer (EFT) payments.12 ageingmatters february 2014
■ At the Age Action conference were (from left): Age Action CEO Robin Webster, Finola Bell (First Care),
Maureen Finlay and Brenda Quigley (Age Action), and Dr Austin Warters, HSE Manager of Services for
Older People, Dublin North.
Creating community in nursing homes
The major contribution tion’s support for both resi- Care Ireland, stressed that
of residents’ councils dents’ councils and advoca- a shift from a task-oriented
cy in nursing homes, while to a person-centred culture
and of befriending and recognising the challenging resulted in a better sense
advocacy services nature of the work. of community. This process
in creating a sense The first keynote speaker, entailed self-reflective man-
Mary Flanagan, director agement meetings, family
of community and
of nursing at Claremont meetings, a wide range of
supporting a holistic Residential and Day staff training and significant
approach to residential Services, said holistic care changes to the physical
care was highlighted involves a system of inter- design of the nursing home.
dependent relationships, Five residents from three
at a recent conference the centre of which is a nursing homes spoke of
hosted by Age Action. commitment from the carer their experience of life in
to provide a service that is residential care. Christy
Age Action’s advocacy acceptable to the recipient Brady (Raheny CNU)
programme currently of that care. She said that inspired the audience. He
runs in 21 nursing homes everyone benefits from a said: “I became an adult
in North Dublin and 13 holistic approach to care after 80 years. I learned to
nursing homes in Meath. – residents, staff, manage- overcome my prejudices.
Addressing the conference, ment and relatives. [I] never expected that
Nursing Homes Ireland The second keynote moving into residential
chief executive Tadhg Daly, speaker, Finola Bell, direc- care would be a lifelong
emphasised his organisa- tor of operations at First learning experience.”february 2014 ageingmatters 13
Tom McGee moved into agement and staff very wel- national level, the HSE is
Beaufort House after a coming. Breda said she is involved in a wide range
bad turn at home. He says delighted to have become of initiatives in the nursing
the staff are fantastic; they a volunteer befriender and home sector – for example,
make him feel like Beaufort gets great satisfaction from responding to elder abuse,
House is really a home her work. providing dementia train-
away from home. Deirdre McCormack gets ing and directing policy.
Betty Whelan, who also great satisfaction from In north Dublin, the HSE
lives at Beaufort House, visiting residents. “It’s like funds Age Action’s Group
said the staff are great: coming into a family atmos- Advocacy Programme.
“They couldn’t do enough phere, as everyone is very John Farrelly, the national
for you.” She said there happy there,” she said. head of Older Persons
is great craic and she has Deirdre would recommend Services Regulation for
made many good friends. the role to anyone inter- the Health Information
David O’Hara, who lives ested in working with older and Quality Authority, said
at Cara Care Centre, is one people. increased regulation has
of the younger residents. Brenda King said she placed nursing home staff
He found it strange at first, feels her role as an advo- under significant pressure
but the staff and carers are cate is to assist residents in as they adapt to the cur-
good and there are plenty adjusting to residential liv- rent system of HIQA regu-
of activities. ing. She has observed that lation and inspection. He
Mary Kelly, also a resident sometimes simple things stressed that the burden
of Cara Care Centre, said cause significant concern to is on staff to provide a ser-
the staff are fantastic. They residents. Advocates serve vice of the proper standard.
have recently completed to bridge the gap, informing Advocacy is important to
a project entitled “Then everyone concerned and the resident because the
and Now,” which won liaising with management advocate is an independ-
the Community Initiatives on behalf of residents. ent stakeholder.
Award at the Nursing Advocate Padraig The conference conclud-
Homes Ireland Care Faughnan said many of ed with a brief review of the
Awards. us have lost the art of con- work done by Age Action’s
Two Befrienders and three versation. People have lit- advocacy programme in
advocates shared their tle time for a chat. At their Meath (run by Maureen
experience as volunteers. meetings they give the resi- Finlay) and north Dublin
Monica Carter spoke of the dents a chance to chat and (run by Brenda Quigley).
role of the residents’ coun- reminisce. Memorabilia is In particular, it looked at
cil as a community build- often brought in to start the how Age Action supports
ing activity and a platform conversation. community development
where residents can share Dr Austin Warters, HSE and holistic care in nursing
their concerns or difficulties, manager of services for homes.
with the knowledge that the older people in Dublin Maureen Finlay spoke of
advocate will endeavour to North, outlined the role of advocacy and befriending
resolve them. the HSE, which includes in nursing home care, while
Breda Ennis said she regulation and inspec- Brenda Quigley spoke of
enjoys her work as a tion of care centres and the role residents’ councils
befriender and loves visiting the administration of the play in empowering resi-
and chatting with the resi- Nursing Home Support dents and fostering a sense
dents. She finds the man- Scheme (Fair Deal). At a of community.14 ageingmatters february 2014
Concern over housing grant cuts
■ Some
Age Action is con- older
cerned at the changes people
could face
to the housing adapta- a waiting
tion grant schemes for period of up
older people and people to six years
to get vital
with a disability, which alterations
it believes will hit those made to
their homes.
on lowest incomes the
hardest.
“While the intention of the
review was to make the
schemes more focused
and targeted at those most
in need, the impact is that
changes to the Housing Aid
for Older People scheme
mean that funds will be
spread more thinly, with the People is being increased Community and Local
poorest of older people now from 60 to 66 years old. Government needs to issue
receiving a reduced maxi- This will oblige people a comprehensive statement
mum grant, while also being who previously could have on the changes.
expected for the first time to applied for Housing Aid for Age Action fears that
pay for a percentage of the Older People to wait up to changes to these schemes,
work,” Age Action spokes- six years to become eligible combined with cutbacks
person Eamon Timmins for grant aid towards mak- to other supports for older
said. ing their homes habitable people, will make it more
The changes to the – for example, by replacing difficult for older people and
Housing Adaptation Grant outdated heating systems, people with disabilities to
for Older People, Housing drafty windows and doors. remain living in their own
Aid for Older People and The changes in eligibility homes, especially those
the Mobility Aids Grant for the schemes are signifi- who are seriously ill or frail.
Scheme have come into cant and must be publicly “With community-based
effect since January 1, with- communicated in a clear supports under severe
out any public announce- and concise manner. pressure and now funding
ment. Age Action is concerned to help those who are strug-
In addition to the reduc- that the new restrictions gling to adapt their homes
tion in the maximum grant came to light only as a being spread more thinly, it
and changes to the income result of a document for is getting much harder for
bands for the level of grant, local authority officials, the most vulnerable of older
Age Action is concerned which was leaked to the people to remain in their
that the age eligibility for media. The Department own homes,” Mr Timmins
the Housing Aid for Older of the Environment, said.february 2014 ageingmatters 15 Don’t bin your issue – share it! In Age Action’s Membership Team we have the privilege of talking directly to members and getting feedback about the issues that concern them. Recently a member suggested a great way to reach more potential members by passing your issue of Ageing Matters to a friend or neighbour when you have finished it. Thanks to our member, Mary Callaghan, for the idea. Don’t bin it. Share it! U3A MEETINGS q
16 ageingmatters february 2014
Skerries member
wins smartphone
Congratulations to Ronnat McCrone from
Skerries who renewed Age Action mem-
bership before December 31 and won a
■ The Cara Care Centre in Dublin presented a Samsung GT-C3350 (Xcover 2 II) mobile
cheque for €1,750 to Age Action in December. The phone in our early renewals draw.
money was the proceeds from the sale of a booklet We would like to genuinely thank all our
of art and stories and a CD, entitled Then and Now.
members who have renewed their mem-
It won the Community Initiatives Award at the 2013
Nursing Homes Ireland Care Awards. Pictured bership to date and to remind those who
receiving the cheque is Age Action’s Brenda haven’t yet done so to renew as soon as
Quigley. they possibly can.
Annual membership application
I wish to join Age Action and enclose STANDING ORDER
€………..…membership fee, plus €……..…
voluntary donation payable to Age Action To the Manager
Ireland Ltd. If you are already an existing Age (Name of Bank/Building Society)
Action member and wish to renew your mem-
bership please write your membership number Bank Address:
here
Full Name: Please pay annually Age Action Ireland,
(Block capitals please) Permanent TSB, 70 Grafton Street, Dublin 2,
Organisation Name (if applicable): Account No: 87779021, Sort Code 99-06-25,
the following amount €............... until further
Address: notice. Starting on: 1st Day of
January 20
Tel: Name:
Email: (Block capitals please)
(Block capitals please) Bank Account No:
Website: Sort Code:
(Block capitals please) Signature:
Signature:
Date: Please return to:
FEES Membership Development
€20 Individual – retired/unwaged Age Action Ireland Ltd
€40 Individual – employed 30/31 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2
€60 Voluntary Body Email: membership@ageaction.ie
€200 Statutory Agency Tel: (01) 475 6989
€500 Commercial Fax: (01) 475 6011You can also read
