ALONE has recorded an increase in calls from older people who are experiencing financial and housing difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the organisation which supports older people, this is causing increased stress and anxiety for many.

ALONE launched a helpline for people concerned about COVID-19 in March and since then, it has received over 21,300 calls. ALONE staff and volunteers have also made more than 78,000 calls to older people who need support.

Some 77% of older people who called the ALONE helpline in the last week are living alone.

The organisation said it has received calls from people who are struggling financially as they try to manage the hidden costs of cocooning, such as increased utility bills and grocery shopping.

The organisation also noted that many people over the age of 66 who were working up until the start of the pandemic are now struggling financially, as those over the age of 66 do not qualify for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). They must now rely on their contributory State pension of €220 per week.

Many people who use ALONE's services have said that the State pension is not enough to cover expenses during this time, and are cutting back on things like food and heating in order to run their cars. For people who live in rural areas of the country, cars are essential.

In addition to this, some older people living in rented accommodation are worried that they will lose their home as a result of the pandemic.

Furthermore, poor housing conditions are also a big issue for some.

"Emergency plumbing, electrical or heating needs form the basis of many of ALONE's support plans for older people. As they spend more time indoors in line with cocooning restrictions, poor living conditions are emphasised, which in turn can have a detrimental effect on an individual's mental health and wellbeing. Many callers reported feelings of depression and having ‘very low moods' in the last week," the organisation noted.

ALONE is calling on the incoming Government to implement long-term supports for those who have been impacted financially by the pandemic.

"We ask that the Government recognise the additional expenses incurred for older people as a result of cocooning and self-isolating, and respond accordingly by implementing additional supports for older people and other vulnerable groups.

"We are asking the incoming Government to put in immediate supports and also commitment to the pension at 35% of average weekly earnings for older people to help them through this uncertain period and into the future," commented ALONE chief executive, Sean Moynihan.

He insisted that older people are one of the groups most affected by this pandemic, and it is vital that we show them compassion and support.

"As we have noticed, inequality has played a role in the course of the pandemic, with those who are most marginalised among the most affected, and it is time that this changes," he said.

He urged anyone who is experiencing any kind of financial or housing difficulties to get in touch with ALONE immediately, even if they have never used its services before.

"These are strange and uncertain times for all of us, but ALONE is here to support those who need it, whenever they need help. If you are struggling with anything, please call our support line and we will do whatever we can to help you," Mr Moynihan added.

The ALONE helpline is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. It is run in collaboration with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities. Call 0818 222 024.

For more information on ALONE, click here.