Panic alert units for elderly

THERE has been an increase of 447 extra personal panic alert units in Co Sligo since the introduction of the new scheme in November 2017.

Their purpose is to enable older people of limited means to live securely and independently in their homes.

The panic alert units come with a free personal monitored alarm which is administered locally by community and voluntary groups from their area.

The total number of participants for the county is

822 which is an increase of 447 since the scheme began.

Users have a base unit installed in their home which is connected to a national Seniors Alert helpline.

When the user activates the personalised alarm it can be worn as a pendant or around the wrist like a watch. It will put a call through to the national call base which is operated 24 hours a day.

The call centre operator then talks to the unit wearer in their home and decides whether to alert a local volunteer responder or the emergency services if required.

Local Cllr Dara Mulvey said the panic alert scheme is an important service. He added: “The Seniors Alert Scheme run through Pobal and with funding from Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring TD’s department 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, ensuring assistance is always available no matter where the person is in their house and I encourage people to apply for these units through their community groups for vulnerable people in their area.”