The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated today in Angra do Heroísmo that the Regional Government will remain attentive to the needs of the elderly population in the period of emergency that the country is living due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Andreia Cardoso spoke at a press conference where she presented a package of immediate social measures to support Azorean families and to the elderly during this phase. 

Hence, the government official announced that “the telephone calls made last week by the Social Security services to people over 65 will be increased, maintaining contact for the identification of eventual needs.” 

Regarding these needs, we intend to know if the persons concerned are supported by their families, identify the needs for basic necessities, ensure adequate referral to available community resources and raise awareness for the importance of receiving pensions by bank transfer with the purpose of avoiding unnecessary travel, always urging them to stay home.
 
"As for our assessment of the numerous telephone calls already made, we were able to verify that, in most situations, the elderly are accompanied or are being supported by their respective families. Among the 16,375 people already contacted, only 26 have requested support," stressed the Regional Secretary. 

The government official also announced the creation of a network of available workers that will include human resources from suspended social responses with the purpose of supporting nursing homes and home support for the elderly so that these infrastructures can maintain regular and safe levels of activity in accordance with the respective contingency plans. 

"The Interinstitutional Network of Available Workers for Nursing Homes and Home Support Services will include nurses, social and psychological technicians, and auxiliary staff," added Andreia Cardoso. 

The systematic and close monitoring of the implementation of contingency plans for the aforementioned services will also be carried out by a team made up of members from the Regional Secretariats for Social Solidarity and Health. 

“This team will be responsible for closely monitoring the institutions that provide elderly care, either in nursing homes or in home environment, clarifying doubts about the implementation of contingency plans and adjusting guidelines and recommendations according to the needs determined by the context," said Andreia Cardoso. 

The Regional Secretary ensured that the Regional Government will remain “attentive to needs and provide swift responses,” adding that “it will be necessary to adjust measures and solutions so that we can go through this period with serenity and tranquillity."