New National Tender for Seniors Alert Scheme to Allow for New Technologies

Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government today (3 April, 2014) announced improvements to the Seniors Alert Scheme. The improvements are designed to facilitate greater community support and improved security for the elderly and are scheduled to come into effect in 2015.

The Seniors Alert Scheme aims to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of the Department of the Environment Community and Local Government. The allocation for the Seniors Alert Scheme for 2014 is €2.35 million which is sufficient to meet current demand levels for this important scheme.

From 2015 the Scheme will include a national tender for the supply and installation of personal monitored alarms, including the latest technologies using mobile technology. This new approach, combined with an optional centralised financial management service, will enable local groups to shift their focus towards more regular engagement with the elderly.

Pobal will be engaged for operational delivery of the Scheme, with the aim of providing high quality and sustainable services for beneficiaries. The service provided by Pobal will include an online application system with new features including the facility for local groups to track the units of equipment for which they are responsible.

Announcing the new approach today, Minister Hogan said, “I am delighted to announce the improvements to this important Scheme. Community groups and volunteers throughout Ireland give their time to provide support and protection for vulnerable older people. The developments that I am announcing today will ensure that these groups can focus their efforts where it is most needed, ensuring that older people can continue to live safely in their own homes, protected by the latest available technology.”