Gaoth Dobhair manager hopes to see pensioners get more money

The elderly are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to rise and there are concerns the lack of disposable income may leave pensioners lonely sitting at home during the winter months due to lack of disposable income, according to the manager of Ionad Pádraig Dore, Máire Uí Chomhaill. 

A campaign which was recently launched is calling for the Government to introduce a State pension rate of 34% of average earnings. The Pension Promise Campaign involves SIPTU, the National Women's Council, Age Action, Active Retirement Ireland and members of the Senior Citizens Parliament. The groups say a State pension rate of 34% of average earnings would mean an increase of €53 a week in the payment.

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Ms Uí Chomhaill said she supports the campaign which will see pensioners have more money coming in to support them. 

She said: “We visit pensioners three times a week with Meals and Wheels and we give them excess food to help carry through the following day. We see them struggling as the bills get higher.”

The elderly also reach out to those at Ionad Naomh Pádraig when they need to attend medical appointments in Dublin, Galway, Sligo and Letterkenny. Those at the centre organise transport for elderly people, living in rural areas, who are struggling with cash to help them attend their appointments. 

“It is very sad when you get to that age and money is your greatest worry. They will always pay their bills first and do without in other areas. People are staying at home because of a lack of money and winter could be a lonely time for them. They don’t have money to socialise,” she said. 

The team at the centre work with the local nurse and often tend to the elderly gardens, they cut hedges, mow lawns, install alarms, paint rooms within the house and help carry out tasks that are beyond the elderly person’s ability and means. 

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Earlier this week, the Deputy General Secretary of SIPTU, Ethel Buckley said: “Tens of thousands of older people are unable to keep on top of household bills or afford the basics. This is not acceptable in a country as wealthy as Ireland and SIPTU will not stand for this injustice.”

Senior Public Affairs and Policy Specialist with Age Action Nat O’Connor said that older people are finding it harder to make ends meet: "While most older persons will be frugal about their spending and will turn to their own resources before seeking state help, many are telling us that they can no longer afford the essentials," she said.