27/05/10

 

 

The revamped Seniors Alert scheme which provides grant support to supply security equipment older people, comes into effect next week and is to be welcomed

This scheme was previously known as the Community Support for Older People, and to all intents and purposes, there is very little change in how it operates.

 

 

One weakness that it has inherited from its predecessor is that the scheme relies on local agencies and groups to apply to become involved in the scheme. Inevitably this means that while some areas are covered by the scheme, unfortunately many other are not, and what we have ended up with is patchwork job

 

 

The access that an elderly person has to this scheme, regardless of whether they might qualify for it or not, depends to a large extent on factors that are outside their control.

 

 

In many instances, the local Partnership companies are already registered to operate the scheme, and I believe that in areas where no other group has stepped forward, the Partnerships should be directed to do so. They clearly have the expertise and by and large, are well rooted in local communities.

 

 

We need to be able to ensure that elderly people in ALL areas, not just some areas, can live securely in their home with confidence, independence and peace of mind.

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