Seniors Alert Scheme

This scheme aims to enable older persons of limited means to continue living securely in their homes with confidence, independence, and peace of mind by providing them with a free personal monitored alarm. The scheme is administered locally by community and voluntary groups in your area.

How Does it Work?

Older people receive a free personal alarm which can be worn as a pendant or around the wrist like a watch. When pressed, the alarm connects wirelessly to a base unit, usually attached to a phone. The base unit immediately sends a call to a 24-hour monitoring centre, ensuring that help is always just a press of a button away.

How to Get an Alarm:

Simply contact a local community or voluntary group operating the scheme in your area, and they will apply on your behalf. The list of approved registered organisations is available on the Pobal website. You can also contact Pobal directly at 01 5117 222 for more information.

  • Application on Behalf of Others: You can contact your local community or voluntary group on behalf of a loved one or neighbor. However, the application details must be in that person's name.

Installation Process

Local Group Application: A local group from your area will apply to Pobal on your behalf.

  1. Approval by Pobal: Once your application is approved by Pobal, the registered group contacts the designated supplier to arrange installation.

  2. Installation: The equipment is installed as soon as possible.

Eligibility Criteria

A person is eligible if they:

  • Are aged 65 years or older and:

    • Of limited means or resources;

    • Living alone, living with another eligible person, living alone for significant periods, or are a carer to someone else in their household;

    • Reside within the geographical area of the relevant registered organisation;

    • Can benefit from the equipment supplied;

    • Are prepared to maintain contact with the registered organisation.

Cost

Initial Cost: Free. The equipment and the first year's monitoring are provided free of charge.

  1. After the First Year: A monitoring fee will be charged. Your local community or voluntary group can advise on this cost in advance.

  2. Additional Fees: If no suitable landline is available and a mobile signal is used, an annual fee for SIM credit will be charged.

  • "The Seniors Alert Scheme gives great peace of mind to older people we work with. They know that if they have a fall or need help with anything, assistance is just a press of a button away."

    Mary Fitzsimons, Family Carers Ireland, Rathgar

  • "Sometimes older people can feel vulnerable or isolated, particularly if they are living alone. We've found that the Seniors Alert Scheme gives them great reassurance and comfort. It helps them to feel protected and secure."

    Debbie Daly, Manager, Active Retirement Club, Mullingar

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