The Minister for Rural and Community Development has revealed that more than 1,544 people have been approved for the Seniors Alerts Scheme since 2015 in Donegal.
More than half of these new participants have joined the Scheme since last year following a significant increase in spending on the initiative.
The Senior Alerts Scheme supports vulnerable older people in our communities by providing them with a free monitored alarm which they can activate if they get into difficulty or need assistance.
This community-led scheme, which is funded by Minister Ring’s Department, enables people over 65 to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
Minister Michael Ring said: “It’s great to see how the Seniors Alert Scheme has taken off, especially in the last two years.
“I call on people with older relatives or neighbours to alert people to the scheme and, if necessary, to help them sign up. It’s a good idea to register in advance of the arrival of winter when older people can feel particularly vulnerable.”
Minister Ring continued: “The increase in users is a direct result of a significant increase in Government funding for the Scheme.
“Last year alone, more than €5.4 million was spent on the scheme with almost 20,000 new participants from around the country being approved for the personal security device. And in the first six months of this year, 10,000 people have already been approved.
“Older people are safer and feel more secure in their homes when they have these monitored alarms and I’m delighted that there is now a greater demand for the Seniors Alert Scheme.”
The personalised alarms are provided free of charge 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, which administers the Scheme, on 01 5117222 or visit www.pobal.ie.
