The number of participants in the Seniors Alert Scheme in County Cork has increased by over 100% according to the most recent figures for the last year, North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has said.
Figures to end of October show that 4,474 people in County Cork were registered participants on the scheme compared to 2,196 participants at the same time in 2017. This is an increase of over 2,278 on last year.
Cllr. O’ Shea said: “The Senior Alerts Scheme supports vulnerable older people in our communities by providing them with a free monitored alarm which they wear and which they can activate if they need assistance. This community led scheme, which is funded by my colleague 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.
“I am delighted to see that the number of Cork people participating in this scheme has more than doubled over the last 12 months. 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.
“The Department has been allocated €2.3 million this year to administer the Scheme and I was delighted to hear Minister Ring confirm he is determined to secure additional funding to ensure we continue to meet the demand. 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 their local Senor Alert Scheme Group in the area. The list of organisations can be found here: https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/seniors-alert-scheme-sas/
