A Mayo doctor has warned that self-neglect may not be uncommon among the elderly in Irish society.
The warning came in the wake of revelations surrounding the death of 70-year-old Ms Agnes Lyons, from Aughamore, Ballyhaunis. An inquest found that Ms Lyons was dead for almost a year in the bungalow she shared with her sister and brother before her death was reported.
Crossmolina-based GP, Dr Michael Loftus, a member of the National Council for the Elderly, said yesterday there may be other people like Ms Lyons out there whose "sunset years" are blighted by illness and whose judgment as regards seeking medical help is affected by their condition.
"People can become isolated even from those with whom they share four walls," he said.
He called on people to keep an eye on elderly neighbours, without being intrusive.
"In my 45 years as a family doctor I have seen cases like that of Agnes, although not as serious. Elderly people often withdraw from the local community, even from family."
Alzheimer's was an increasing scourge, he said. It robbed people of their brain capabilities, making it difficult or impossible for them to function and think properly.
Dr Loftus stressed that neighbours of the Lyons family in Aughamore were not to blame for what had happened. "There wasn't anything the neighbours could do. The evidence at the inquest shows that Agnes and Mary Ellen Lyons purposely cut themselves off from those outside the house, even from their brother with whom they lived."
The sad demise of Agnes, however, would serve as a lesson to communities to be aware of the perils which endanger the elderly, he said.