A national support line has been launched for elderly people who have concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.
ALONE, the organisation that supports older people, announced the help line in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE.
The support line will launch on Monday, March 9 and offer people additional outreach and coordinated support.
Professional staff will be available to answer queries regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and give advice and reassurance where necessary.
The support line will be open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024, and hours may be extended to meet the demand.
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said: "The WHO advises us to be SMART and inform ourselves about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and to be kind and support one another.
"This support line provides additional information supports for older people who may have concerns or support needs; it is led by our voluntary sector who provide invaluable work with communities; and is working as part of our co-ordinated national response to COVID-19.”
"We are ramping up our response to COVID-19 to provide support to all older people nationwide working in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE,” he continued.
"As the situation develops, as well as advice, information and emotional supports, we will ensure every older person will have access to food, medication, fuel, daily contact, and any other support that may be needed.
"We want to emphasise that these supports are free, and available to all older people, including those who have not previously used our services.
Mr Moynihan added: "Should any older person need any advice or practical support, we encourage them to call us on 0818 222 024.
"We are also collaborating on our response with more than 100 other organisations in the community and voluntary sector working with older people, providing them with support where necessary, to create a surge in capacity and ensure a comprehensive and robust response.
"As the situation develops we may need to call on civic organisations to support our work.”
