Government schemes to help older people live in their homes for longer are outdated and need a complete overhaul, according to MEP Colm Markey. The Midlands-North-West MEP said that funding for the Seniors Alert Scheme should be amended to include assistive technology.
Certain people over the age of 65 can avail of a personal monitored alarm as part of the scheme. However, Mr Markey said there are other types of technology that can allow older people live more independently.
According to the local MEP, the Seniors Alert Scheme has been a hugely successful initiative and has given many families peace of mind however he believes we should go further. He added that our population reaching an all-time high, we need to think about how to better support our older people, and technology can play a key role in improving their quality of life and allowing them to live independently.
