Seniors Alert
Introduction
The Seniors Alert Scheme provides grant support for the supply of equipment to enable older people without sufficient means to continue to live securely in their homes. The scheme, which is run by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, replaced the Scheme of Community Support for Older People in May 2010. The grant assistance is made available through community and voluntary groups registered with the Department.
Rules
Who is eligible for grant support?
The scheme provides assistance to older people. To be eligible you must be:
- Aged 65 or over and have limited means or resources
- Living alone or with someone who also meets the eligibility criteria
- Living in the area covered by the community group administering the grant support
- Able to benefit from the equipment being supplied
- Willing to maintain contact with the community group
What type of equipment can be supplied?
Grant support is provided towards the cost of purchasing and installing safety and security equipment. Grants are available for:
- Monitored personal alarms
- Monitored smoke detectors
- Monitored carbon monoxide detectors
- External security lights
- Internal emergency lights
Equipment supplied under the scheme remains the property of the community group.
How is an application for a grant made?
An application for a grant is made by the registered community group for your area. When a community group identifies an older person in its area as needing assistance, it:
- Assesses the person’s eligibility for the scheme and completes the application form
- Identifies the equipment required and obtains quotations from suppliers
- Submits the application with supporting documentation to the Department.
Groups can apply for grants all year round.
What groups can register for the scheme?
Groups wishing to participate in the scheme need to register with the Department first. Community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations are eligible to register. They must have a recognised structure and be able to demonstrate a capability of managing the grants. They must also have a record of working with older people in the community. A group will not be able to register where there is an existing group operating the scheme in the area.
How to apply
If you feel you may be eligible for grant support you should contact the group registered to operate the scheme in your area. Information on groups that are registered (xls) is available from the Department. The Department does not accept applications from individuals for grant support.
Groups wishing to register for the scheme should contact the Senior Alert Scheme (SAS) Unit in the Department or download the registration application form (pdf).
Further information on the scheme is available on the Department’s website.
Where to apply
Contact the SAS Unit in the Community and Voluntary Supports Division of the Department at the address below or by email at seniorsalert@environ.ie for further information.
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Teeling Street
Tubbercurry
Sligo
Ireland
Tel:(071) 918 6700
Homepage: http://www.environ.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Scheme of Community Support for Older People
The Scheme of Community Support for Older People provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. This scheme is closed to new applications. - Housing for older people
There are special schemes and grants for housing and home improvements for older people and people with disabilities. - Adapting a home for an older or disabled person
Your home may need alterations to suit the changing needs of an older or disabled person. Information on grants and other supports.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.