10/01/2013

Age Action Warns Cuts Will Undermine The Ability Of Older People

Age Action has warned that savings from funding cuts for the Seniors Alert Scheme will be paid for by vulnerable older people who will be unable to pay for a monitored pendant alarm as a result.

"The cuts confirmed by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government will undermine the ability of some older people to continue living independently in their own homes, by denying them alarms which would provide them with peace of mind should they become suddenly unwell or if they are victims of crime," Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.

"While the Government talks about supporting older people in their own homes, cuts such as this one, along with reductions in funding for other key supports such as home helps and community Gardai, mean life will get harder for frail and vulnerable people in 2013," Mr Timmins said.

The reduction in funding from €2.4 million last year to just €1.15 million in 2013 will have a considerable impact on the operation of the scheme. Age Action questions why the Government is restricting eligibility to people aged over-65 who live alone.

(CD/GK)

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