Participants on Seniors Alert Scheme in Mayo has doubled

THE number of people in Mayo who have availed of the Seniors Alerts Scheme has more than doubled in the last year.

As of the end of October, 1,441 people in Mayo were registered participants on the scheme compared to 675 participants at the same stage of 2017.

The Senior Alerts Scheme supports vulnerable older people in our communities by providing them with a free monitored alarm which they wear on their person and which they can activate if they need assistance.

This community led scheme, which is funded by Minister Michael Ring’s Department of Rural and Community Development, enables people over 65 to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.

Minister Ring said: “It’s really encouraging to see a more than 100% increase in Mayo people participating in this scheme.

“It is clear evidence that older people are feeling the benefits of the scheme. This level of increase is being mirrored across the country where we have seen a 112% increase in applications nationally.

“I urge more people to avail of the Seniors Alert Scheme and I call on people with older relatives or neighbours to alert people to the scheme and, if necessary, to help them sign up. It is worth noting that demand peaks during the winter months when older people feel particularly vulnerable.”

The personalised alarms are provided for free by the Department of Rural and Community Development and monitoring is free for the first year. From the second year on a modest yearly monitoring fee is charged.

People looking to find out more about the scheme should contact Pobal on 01 511 7222 or visit www.pobal.ie.