Tag Archives: Eamon Timmins

Age Action is urging communities to play their part to ensure that their older neighbours remain safe and well in their homes as Met Eireann forecasts snowy and icy conditions countrywide today (Tuesday). Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said, “Snow and ice make that challenge even greater as many older people may not be able to get out to buy food, fuel or medical supplies.” Met Eireann is forecasting accumulations of up to 8cm of snow in some parts of the country and hail, sleet and icy conditions in other areas. “If there is an older person living in your neighbourhood we would encourage you tovisit or phone them to check if they need supplies and that they are okay – don’t depend on others to do it,” Mr Timmins said. ” We are urging older people not to venture out in slippery and dangerous conditions. But if they are to take this advice, they may need help from neighbours …

Age Action is urging all older people to ensure they have a working carbon monoxide alarm fitted in their home, following a serious incident in Cork last weekend. “Carbon monoxide alarms can, and do, save lives,” Age Action spokesperson, Eamon Timmins said. He was commenting in the wake of an incident on Saturday morning when two sisters, aged 92 and 84, were found unconscious in their home, in a case of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The alarm was raised by a neighbour who called to their home as part of a regular visit. “Thankfully both ladies were found in time,” Mr Timmins said. “But the incident must act as a wake up call to everyone who use coal, gas or oil to heat their homes. We would urge people to ensure their central heating systems are serviced regularly and that their carbon monoxide alarms are working.” Age Action’s Care and Repair programme volunteers can help older people fit carbon monoxide …

Age Action has urged the Government to take “meaningful steps” in the upcoming Budget to assist older people, who are struggling as a result of the cumulative effect of recent austerity budgets. “Many older people are struggling to heat their homes, pay for their medications and adapt their homes so they can continue to live in them,” Age Action’s head of advocacy and communications, Eamon Timmins said. “The choices which older people are being forced to make – choosing between food, fuel and medication – are simply unacceptable,” he declared when addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection on Wednesday. Mr Timmins outlined the results of research it carried out earlier this year with its members across Ireland to assess the impact which austerity measures were having. “From people going to bed early and staying in bed longer in the morning in order to stay warm, to people cutting back on food, older people revealed how they …