Apply for the Seniors Alert Scheme

WHAT IS IT?

The Seniors Alert Scheme provides grant support for the supply of alarm equipment to enable older people of limited means to continue to live securely in their homes. The scheme is run by Pobal, a not-for-profit organisation that manages programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the European Union. The grant assistance is made available through community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations that are registered with Pobal.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE GRANT?

You must be:- Aged 65 or over and have limited means or resources. – Either living alone, living alone for significant periods of time during the day, living with someone who also meets the eligibility criteria, or caring for someone else in your household. – Living in the area covered by the registered group administering the grant support. – Able to benefit from the equipment being supplied. – Willing to maintain contact with the registered group.

WHAT DO I GET?

Grant support is available for the provision and installation of monitored personal alarms, which can be worn as a pendant or around your wrist like a watch. These alarms connect to a national helpline via a base unit installed in your home. When the alarm is activated, it automatically rings the helpline, which is open 24 hours a day all year round. A helpline operator talks to you in your home and decides whether to alert a local volunteer responder or, if necessary, the emergency services. Equipment supplied under the scheme remains the property of the registered group and must be returned to the group if no longer needed.

WILL IT COST ANYTHING?

All equipment associated with the scheme is installed for free. 

The alarm monitoring service is free for the first year following installation, after which you will be asked to pay the annual monitoring fee. Charges will vary by service provider and the type of alarm or pendant supplied.

HOW DO I APPLY?

If you feel you may be eligible for grant support under the Seniors Alert Scheme, you should contact the group registered to operate the scheme in your area. Pobal publishes a list of registered organisations on its website. I have listed below the groups and points of contact for local service providers:-

Daughters of Charity Community Services

• Dublin 1 and parts of Dublin 7 (North Inner city & Phibsborough)
• Aislinn Kenny
• 01 887 4100

N.W.I.C.D.P. LIMITED

• Dublin 7
• Stoneybatter
• Mairead Tully
• 01 677 5741

Nascadh CDP Ltd.

• Dublin 3
• East Wall
• Paul Graham
• 01 850 9000

Pobal does not accept application from individuals. Groups wishing to register for the scheme can register online at www.Pobal.ie. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Details information on the Seniors Alert Scheme is available on Pobal’s website. 

For further information, you can contact the Seniors Alert Scheme section in Pobal by email at onlinesupport@pobal.ie. You can always call them at 01 511 7000.