EXPLAINER: How to access the Kildare Age Friendly Programme

Kildare County Council (KCC) has published an in-depth guide for those seeking to avail of the Kildare Age Friendly Programme.

According to the official KCC website, the initiative, which is designed to support older people "to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence", was raised at the latest Athy Municipal District meeting.

While in attendance at this meeting, which took place on Monday, November 17 last, Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan asked KCC to outline the process that senior citizens living in Kildare should follow in order to effectively connect with the Programme's services.

In response to her query, KCC issued a lengthy response via the report it presented at the meeting.

KCC pointed out that there are several organisations in Kildare which offer targeted supports for older people.

DIRECTORIES

KCC explained: "The Kildare Age Friendly Programme developed a directory in 2024 and will have a new directory in 2026.

"Each year, we endeavour to invite all organisations to the annual roadshow where anyone over 55 years can attend and
visit each service.

"Depending on the service required by the older person, they can phone the particular organisation: most do not need a referral.

"The Kildare Age Friendly Programme Manager can be contacted at ccashin@kildarecoco.ie or 045 980 200 and is available to sign post queries in terms of services in the county."

KCC also emphasised to Cllr Behan that the Age friendly Programme does not deliver direct services; instead, it delivers strategic objectives in the county, such as walkability audits, resources, roadshows and operates the Older Persons Council.

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'ALLIANCE PARTNERS'

Furthermore, KCC told Cllr Behan that the Programme "works with all stakeholders to provide services" through its "alliance
partners", some of which include: County Kildare Leader Partnership; The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme; Alone; and Social Prescribing Athy.

In response to the report, Cllr Behan welcomed it and in particular acknowledged the amount of detail that KCC included in it.

She explained to KCC that the provision of age friendly services is a cause that she holds "close to [her] heart".

Shortly after making this comment, Cllr Behan suggested to KCC that it could make contact with the Young At Heart organisation, which assists those over the age of 65. 

Following this, a representative for KCC who was in attendance at the meeting told Cllr Behan that they would follow through on her suggestion.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

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