Elderly slam security funding cutbacks

HUNDREDS of elderly Northsiders will be left without smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and security lights as part of devastating Government cutbacks.

Community groups for the elderly and Age Action Ireland are among those who have slammed the Government for

“targeting the most vulnerable in a cut that is penny wise and pound foolish

?.

The cuts to the Senior Alert Scheme will mean that hundreds of elderly citizens over 65 years of age will be denied invaluable tools that support them in independent living by keeping them safe, well and secure in their homes.

In Finglas alone, at least 50 elderly people will have their applications for the detectors refused as a result of the

“stealth cut

? which was imposed last week with just three days’ notice.

Anne Boyle, who has run the Finglas Home Help for 30 years, said the cut and the little notice given shows a lack of respect and consideration for the elderly and those working on their behalf.

“I put through at least 50 applications for people requesting detectors which was in itself very time consuming, but it’ll be up to me now to visit each one again to deliver the bad news,

? she told Northside People.

“It’s really dreadful, especially because these detectors aren’t expensive but they mean so much to the elderly.

“The Government tried this stunt about two and a half years ago when they stopped the scheme altogether before reinstating it later.

?

Speaking to Northside People, a spokesperson for Age Action Ireland described what a detrimental effect the Government’s

“penny-pinching

? would have on the most vulnerable in society.

“We really are very, very disappointed that the scheme has been cut yet again,

? he stated.

“The last Government messed around with the scheme before in the same belief that it could turn on and off the tap in funding.

“This is a scheme that is at the very heart of keeping elderly people safe and well in their homes and gives these vulnerable people piece of mind. You can’t put a price on that.

“The Government would be the first to come out with statements if an elderly person was murdered in their own home when in reality it’s the Government that is denying elderly citizens of tools they need to stay and feel safe.

?

Not-for-profit organisation Home Safe Home provides and subsidises services, information and security devices for elderly people in Dublin. The organisation’s Donna O’Brien described what knock-on effect the cut to the Senior Alert Scheme will have.

“At least 50 per cent of the people I deal with are those who require smoke alarms and detectors,

? she stated.

“There is absolutely no doubt that these detectors help to save lives and they are such an important tool for elderly people to have in their homes to ensure their safety and piece of mind.

“The Government were very sneaky in how and when they introduced the cut as they chose the run up to Easter and the Dáil recess in the hope that it wouldn’t get that much attention.

“The economics of it are ridiculous because it will prevent elderly people from living independently for longer and also it will have a huge effect on employment.

“In our case alone we have been able to take two people off the dole to work with us and we were planning to take on a third person in the coming months but I don’t think that will happen now as a result of the cuts.

?

Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty (Lab), who raised the matter with the Minister for Environment and Local Government, Phil Hogan, described the cut as

“scandalous

? and one that was introduced by

“stealth

?.

“Community groups and older people are shocked that there will no longer be grants available for security lights, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors,

? he said.

“These cuts, which are an absolute scandal, will have a serious negative impact on older people and must be reversed.

?

According to Minister Phil Hogan, the cut was introduced as much of the budget allocation for the scheme has already been spent.

“A significant portion of the 2012 budget allocation was spent early in 2012 as a result of unprecedented demand,

? he said.

“The Seniors Alert Unit is also continually registering community and voluntary groups who wish to administer the scheme and this will further increase the demand for funding in 2012.

“As a result, my Department examined the operation of the scheme with the aim of ensuring its sustainability and an equitable distribution of funding country-wide.

?

?¢ For information on security for the elderly from Home Safe Home, visit www.homesafehome.ie or call 01-4130556.