Almost 2,000 older people in Clare have received personalised alarm pendants under the Seniors Alert Scheme since 2010, according to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey.
Calling on people to get permission from older relatives and neighbours to register them for the scheme, Deputy Carey said that it provided practical support for vulnerable older people through the provision of free personal monitored alarms.
The alarm can be activated by a device which is worn as a pendant or around the wrist like a watch. The scheme enables people over 65 years of age to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
All participants on the Seniors Alert Scheme have a base unit installed in their home which is connected to a national helpline. When the alarm is activated, it puts a call through to the national call centre which is constantly monitored.The call centre operator talks to the person in their home and decides whether to alert a locally based volunteer responder or, in potentially serious circumstances, the emergency services.
Personalised monitored alarms are provided free of charge to users under the Seniors Alert Scheme. The first year of monitoring is free with the user paying for each year thereafter. The monitoring costs for year two is approximately €65 plus VAT per annum.
“The number of participants on the Seniors Alert Scheme has doubled in the last year as a result of increased investment in the scheme. The initial allocation for 2018 was €2.3 million but, due to a huge surge in demand, €5.4 million has already been spent so far this year,” Deputy Carey explained.
“All you have to do is make contact with your local Seniors Alert group. There are over 660 groups around the country and you can find out about your local group by logging on to www.pobal.ie or phoning 01 5117222”.
