Huge rise in Senior Alert Scheme Applications
There has been a tenfold increase in applications to the Senior Alerts Scheme in Donegal Town, according to the Donegal Family Resource Centre.
The scheme, which is open to anyone aged over 65 years and who meet eligible criteria, provides successful applicants with monitored personal alarms, external security lighting, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and emergency internal lighting.
The Government had initially announced cuts to funding for the service but reversed this decision after protests from groups working with elderly people across the state.
Jim McLaughlin, Chairman of the Donegal Family Resource Centre, which administers the scheme in Donegal Town, commented: “We were delighted that the Government reversed the decision to cut funding for the service as this is a vital scheme. The upsurge in applications by local people has been phenomenal.
“We have recorded a tenfold increase in one week. I am also aware that there is a backlog of applications made before December.
“I would therefore call on the Government to prioritise this work in order that applications can be processed quickly, as these alarms provide reassurance and practical assistance to concerned people.”
Anyone interested in applying for the Senior Alerts Scheme should call into the Donegal Family Resource Centre, Upper Main Street, Donegal Town or telephone 074 972 5337 for further information.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Donegal
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: North
