Foreword The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs works with a diversity of older people living across Ireland. ‘Experiences of Older People at End of Life’ is the third edition in the Alliance’s ‘Telling It Like It Is’ series. Previous editions have explored the lived experience of older people through the pandemic and the nature and impacts of ageism in an Irish context. A key element of ageing well is dying well. Death, of course, can be a confronting subject, but the more we talk about it, plan for it, and actively invest in the very often practical supports and actions that have been proven to make a difference, the easier it can be to deal with when the time comes, both for the person and their loved ones. ‘Experiences of Older People at End of Life' identifies eleven recommended actions that can be taken so that Ireland can deliver on the best end-of-life and bereavement care, for all. The recommendations presented are evidence based and informed by the collective experience of the eight member organisations working to support older people. Numerous commitments relevant to ageing and dying well have been set out in key Government policies and strategies such as the National Positive Ageing Strategy (2013), the National Adult Palliative Care Policy (2024), and the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future (2025). The voice and lived experience of older people must be heard by those responsible for policy implementation. We are calling on decision makers to respond to the findings, reflections and recommendations gathered in this report. The Alliance continues to call for the establishment of an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People - similar to that which is in place in both Northern Ireland and Wales. An Independent Commissioner would help ensure that Ireland’s various policy commitments relevant to older people are meaningfully implemented and monitored. Everyone deserves a positive end-of-life experience. In order for Ireland to truly achieve excellence at end of life, access to the supports that are proven to most shape this positive experience should be available to all. The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs
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Telling It Like It Is
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