Over 280 people availed of Senior Alert Scheme alarms

A TOTAL of 281 people in Wicklow have availed of the Senior Alert Scheme for personal monitored alarms.

Managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Seniors Alert Scheme, provides funding for personal monitored alarms for vulnerable older people.

While the scheme has expanded with 281 older people in County Wicklow availing of personal monitored alarms, there is still scope for the provision of further alarms.

A survey of those who availed of the scheme nationally between September 2015 and December 2016 found 68 per cent were living alone, 67 per cent were female, while 51 per cent of all participants were over the age of 80.

Fifty-two per cent cited an ‘existing health condition’ as one of the reasons for applying to the Scheme, while ‘fear of crime’ (13 per cent) and ‘peace of mind’ (27 per cent) were other contributory factors. For those living in rural areas, isolation and crime rated highest in their motivation for applying to the Scheme.

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.

To find out about your local community group or how to get involved, contact Pobal on 01 5117222 or visit Pobal.ie.