Mayo community groups encouraged to attend information meeting
THE new Seniors Alert Scheme, which gives peace of mind and security to older people in their homes, has been launched this week by Pobal and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The new scheme, which comes into effect on November 1, provides older persons (65 years +) with a free personal monitored alarm and is run by local groups around the country.
An information meeting for Mayo Community Groups will be held on November 29 in Knockranny House, Westport. To register your attendance log on to Pobal.ie.
All users have a base unit installed in their home which is connected to a national Seniors Alert Scheme helpline using landline or mobile telecommunications.
When the user activates the personalised alarm it puts a call through to the national call centre which is open 24/7/365.The call centre operator talks to the person in their home and decides whether to alert a locally volunteer responder or, in potentially serious circumstances, the emergency services.
Minister Michael Ring said: “The Seniors Alert Scheme provides personalised monitored alarms to older citizens in order to provide them with security and peace of mind in their own homes.
“Alarms, which are monitored 24 hours, can be worn as a pendant or around the wrist like a watch, ensuring assistance is always available no matter where the person is in their house. Over 60,000 people have received the personalised alarm pendant from the Government under the Seniors Alert Scheme since 2010.
“The Seniors Alert Scheme provides older citizens in order to provide them with security and peace of mind in their own homes. From this year on, you no longer have to be living alone in order to qualify for the scheme.
“ As Minister for Rural and Community Development, this scheme exemplifies what my department is about. It exists with the support of local voluntary groups and if users feel in danger or require immediate assistance they can activate the device which will alert designated members of their community who can then assist them. There is free personal monitoring of the alarm for the first twelve months after which the person pays a small fee.”
Jerry Murphy, Deputy CEO of Pobal, administrators of the scheme, said: “The Seniors Alert Scheme is a community response to keeping people connected to enable them live in their homes with confidence and independence. There are Seniors Alert Scheme local community groups in all 26 counties, all of which are listed on Pobal.ie. I would encourage all those with older family members or neighbours to contact their local community group to learn more about the scheme.” You can find out about your local community group by logging on to www.pobal.ie or calling 01 5117222.”