Cumberland City Council has begun allocating personal alarms as part of its ‘Press for Help’ project that provides subsidised mobile personal alarms to socially isolated or ‘at risk’ seniors and people with disability (who are seniors) in the Cumberland LGA.
“This is a fantastic initiative for Cumberland’s senior community considering that more than 15% of the city's population is over the age of 60, and that's set to grow over the next decade,” said Mayor Steve Christou.
"The personal alarms can be programmed with up to 5 contacts of your choice. If you ever have a fall, become lost or are having any other personal emergency where you need help, pressing the SOS button will immediately send your GPS location to your nominated contacts with no internet connection or phone required.
"Seniors make an enormous contribution to our community and Cumberland City Council is pleased to offer opportunities like this that enable them to feel safe and secure both at home and in the community.”
Around 20 personal alarms have been distributed to date. There are 30 alarms left to distribute.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- Must be aged over 65.
- Live in the Cumberland Local Government Area and be able to provide evidence of this.
- Experience injury, illness or disability hinders full participation in the community.
- Be in receipt of a pension.
- Not have any assets or family assistance that could reasonably resolve inability to privately purchase a personal mobile alarm.
- Live alone or are alone for most of the day or evening OR live with a person who would be unable to get to the phone in an emergency or is unable to use the phone.
- Have had at least one fall that needed medical attention in the past 12 months or are at risk of falls.
- Experience a major medical or chronic condition that places risk of medical emergencies or has ongoing effect on health or wellbeing for example: falls, seizures, dementia.
- Be able to pay an upfront deposit of $100 (to be returned if alarm is no longer needed and returned to Council with all accessories in good condition within the first 12 months).
- Complete the medical and independent living skills assessment section of this form with a GP, caseworker or other health professional.
The project was funded through ClubGrants provided by Wenty Leagues to purchase the personal alarms.
For any enquiries please contact Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer on (02) 8757 9577.