‘Gift a free alarm to your elderly relatives’

Rural Affairs Minister suggests top Christmas present

THE best present for an older relative or neighbour this Christmas is to sign up them up for a ‘free’ personalised alarm, according to Rural Affairs Minister Michael Ring.

The Seniors Alert Scheme supports vulnerable older people through the provision of monitored pendant alarms with panic buttons and 24/7 monitoring.

He urged people to register oldage pensioners for the devices as a no-cost Christmas present that can pay off through 2019 and into the future.

The first year of monitoring is free, with the user paying for each year thereafter. The monitoring costs after year one are approximately €65 plus VAT per annum.

The alarm can be activated by a device which is worn as a pendant around the neck, or around the wrist like a watch.

The distribution scheme is aimed at ensuring older persons (aged 65 and over) continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Minister Ring said: ‘The best present you could get an older relative or neighbour this Christmas is to sign up them up for free a personalised alarm.

‘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.

‘Of course, it is important to check with people before you sign them up for the scheme.’

The number of participants has doubled in the last year thanks to increased investment. By late 2017, there were around 18,000 participants. This rose to over 35,000 by September this year, and many more have signed up since. Mr Ring said: ‘My Department was originally allocated €2.3million in 2018 to administer the scheme, but due to a huge surge in demand we have already spent €5.4million this year.

‘I’m delighted so many people are availing of the scheme. I will continue to monitor the numbers applying and to ensure that every single applicant is catered for.’

All clients of the Seniors Alert Scheme have a base unit installed in their homes which is connected to a national helpline.

When the user sounds the alarm, it puts a call through to the national call centre which is open 24/7 all year long. An operator talks to the person and decides whether to alert a locally based volunteer responder or, in potentially serious circumstances, the emergency services.

More than 75,000 people have received the personalised alarm pendant from the Government under the scheme since 2010.

Mr Ring said he also wanted to urge people to keep an eye on their elderly neighbours at this time of year. ‘Reaching out to an older person in your community can help brighten up their Christmas, whether it’s popping in for a chat, or lighting the fire or bringing someone some food,’ he said.

‘I’ll ensure all are catered for’