Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Lockdown, cocooning and self-isolation have disproportionately affected the elderly during the pandemic. This has given rise to serious concerns regarding their mental health. For many of the elderly, especially those who live alone, their only social contact takes place outside the home. As a consequence of the pandemic, they are effectively cut off from any interaction with others in the community. We cannot underestimate the importance and impact of community centres, bingo halls and churches on the mental health and well-being of the elderly. For example, in Finglas we have Odin's Wood Day Care Centre which provides a variety of services and activities for the elderly on a daily basis. The centre provides day care for those aged over 65 years. Individuals are collected from their homes and brought to the centre. They can avail of personal care in the form of a shower, a bath, hair dressing or chiropody. They can interact socially and can avail of the services of a community nurse, who visits the centre every day. They can also eat in a communal area with a four course meal provided daily for those who attend the centre. It was to open on Wednesday in a limited capacity but the centre received an email from NPHET stating it was not to open and it was not given a timescale as to when it can open. I am also aware of other day care centres in the same boat.

Many people are fortunate to have family and friends on whom they can rely for support in these trying times. Many who do not have such a support system must rely on social services or voluntary organisations. Such contacts can, unfortunately, put them at additional risk as they are in a vulnerable group. Cocooning and self-isolation help to reduce infection and the transmission of Covid-19, particularly for such a high-risk group with a decreased immune response. However, it has the inadvertent consequence of keeping them separated from everything that had previously kept them active and engaged. This has left many elderly people even more socially isolated and inactive than before. Additionally, the elderly are more likely to have many underlying conditions, resulting in increased hospitalisation, with the potential consequence of increasing the risk of contracting Covid-19. Cumulatively, these can all lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression and increased loneliness. The lack of exercise can also lead to deconditioning, resulting in weakness, the loss of strength and potential falls. Lockdown and self-isolation can also lead to a reduction in the cognitive stimulation that comes with socialising and engaging with neighbours and the community at large, potentially leading to a rapid decline among those with medical or cognitive frailty.

Among the measures that could be put in place are, for example, the implementation of universal screening and treatment for mental health for the elderly. The Government could also look at extending the behavioural and mental health competency of primary care providers, who could help identify concerns and issues before they arise. For those in the community, a dedicated unit of trained professionals should be set up for the purpose of maintaining daily contact with the elderly, especially for those with little or no support. It is happening to a degree at the moment but is more or less on an ad hocbasis. The entire process needs to be better co-ordinated.

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