A 102-year-old woman has described as a “godsend” the support she receives during the current hot spell, amid calls to support older and vulnerable people amid high temperatures.
Dubliner Kathleen Daly described the current warm weather as welcome, although it is taking its toll on her.
“It’s absolutely glorious. It’s lovely, but I said I’m not a lover of the heat. I can’t stand it. I have to go in,” she said.
“I’d stick it out for a while, and then I’d have to come in.”
Ms Daly has lived through many hot spells before, but she said it’s harder to cope with the heat as the years push on, and is spending most of her time these days in the shade.
Ita Patton (right) is a ‘befriender’ to Kathleen Daly
To see her through, she has regular visits from family and friends and with outreach volunteers from the charity ALONE.
ALONE has advised people to take the necessary precautions as the high temperatures persist across the country.
It said older people can be more vulnerable during warmer weather conditions and are at a greater risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility.
It has asked family members, friends and neighbours to check in on those who may be struggling.
Read more: Calls to support older people as high temperatures continue across the country
The charity also advised people to drink water regularly, stay in the shade and take regular breaks from the sun; wear light, loose clothing, a hat and sunglasses when outdoors and apply sunscreen regularly.
Ita Patton, a ‘befriender’ with the charity has been calling out weekly to Ms Daly for the last 18 months, and says the 102-year-old has “great neighbours and friends” who also keep an eye out for her.
‘A godsend’
“This kind of weather is very tough on the elderly, and you wouldn’t realise it, you know. So you do have to watch out for it,” she said, adding that keeping the house cool by opening the windows and staying hydrated is key.
“We have a good chat. It’s like a befriending service that we do in ALONE,” she added.
“Kathleen is the only person I visit right now. And this weather, yeah, it’s been really tough. But Kathleen doesn’t like to drink water, so she likes to drink watered down orange, isn’t it?”
The charity is reminding people to check in with those who may be struggling this weather, and Ms Daly is thankful for her visitors.
“It’s a godsend … and even to get that phone call, and have the chat. It makes all the difference,” she said.