Older people should be aware the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs provides grants to subsidise the cost of personal alarms, window and door locks and security lighting, Age Action Ireland reminds us in its latest bulletin, writes Clare O'Dea.
The Department does not provide the grants directly to individuals. Instead, the grants are provided to voluntary organisations once a year, usually in April or May. These groups provide grants to assist people aged 65 or over living alone or in households made up exclusively of older people who are unable themselves to install or purchase the equipment.
To get the grants, older people should contact the voluntary organisation in their area responsible for administering them. Contact the community Garda at your local Garda station to find out which local group provides the grants. Groups such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert usually look after the grants.
For more information on the scheme, contact your regional Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs office.
Dublin North: 01-8581119
Dublin South: 01-8899578
Dublin West: 01-4624308
Midland: 043-40085
Mid-Western: 061-332315
North Eastern: 042-9332126
North Western: 078-50090
South Eastern: 051-877 789
Southern: 021-4917426
Western: 091-566191
