Explaining the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS)
Home Instead Senior Care Marlinstown Office Park. 044 9385260 www.homeinstead.ie
The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people through the provision 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 SAS provides a grant for the supply of equipment which will aid the vulnerable elderly population to continue living safely in their own homes. It is run by Pobal and funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. You can avail of the assistance through community, voluntary and non-profit organisations that are registered with Pobal. Any groups that apply must have a recognised structure and show ability to manage grants and must also have a record of working with elderly.
Only one group in any area can apply for the grant. If an elderly person feels they may be eligible they must contact their local registered group which operate the scheme. There is information on registered groups on the Pobal website. One cannot avail of the support individually.
In order to be eligible for the Seniors Alert Scheme, you have to be older than 65 and have limited means, living alone or with someone who is eligible, living in an area which is covered by the registered group administering the grant support, able to benefit from the equipment and also willing to maintain contact with the registered group.
The allowed grant will finance the purchasing of the equipment and also the installation. The equipment remains the property of the registered group and is returned to the group if no longer needed.
To get the equipment:
Registered community group for your area makes an application for the grant. Registered group identifies those in need of assistance and then they will:
• assess the person’s eligibility for the scheme and completes an application form with them
• identifies the equipment required and gets a quotation for the supply and installation
• submits application and quotes to Pobal.
Then asked to confirm understanding of the purpose of the equipment’s use and declare responsibility for future monitoring charges and payments.
To date there is no closing date for receipt of completed registrations as is it a rolling process.
Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase of equipment by a registered organisation i.e. personal alarm and pendant. Funding is made available by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The equipment will be funded via Pobal and made available through community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations registered with Pobal under the SAS.
In Westmeath you can contact: the 1428 Active Retirement Club, Mullingar, 044 9384 290. Delvin Friendship Club. Mount Temple Active Age, 0906 4814 58. Rosemount Community Alert, 0906436148. South Westmeath Employment Education and Training Services Ltd (SWEETS), 057 9332 030. Tullamore Social Services, Moate, Mullingar, Kilbeggan, 057 9322466.
In Longford: Cullyfad Community Alert, Longford, Cullyfad Village. Longford Social Services CLG, 043 3350 114.
In Offaly: Balyna Rural Enterprise Development Association Ltd, Edenderry, 0469541941.
Clara Community and Family Resource Centre CLG. Clara, Tober, Horseleap, 057 9331 928. Clareen Community Alert Group. Ferbane parish community alert. Kilcormac Development Association, 057 91354 45. Third Age Foundation Ltd, 046 95577 66.
Remember, alarms are useful to the extent of sending out a warning, if you feel your loved one needs care in the home and human interaction then call us – Home Instead will take care of the rest.
To us it’s personal!