The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity assured in Ponta Delgada that the Government of the Azores "is aware of the needs arising from changes to the ageing process" and, for that reason, has undertaken a considerable effort to ensure that health and social systems "may effectively respond to the aspirations of the senior community."

In this context, the Government included the elderly group in the preventive action to be developed under the Regional Plan for the Prevention and Combat to Domestic Violence, stressed Andreia Cardoso at the opening session of the seminar "Caring for the Elderly."

The Regional Secretary also stressed that the Government expanded the "Regional Network of Continued Care to the entire Region in close coordination with the regional departments of Health and Social Solidarity, the Regional Health Service, IPSS (Private Social Solidarity Institutions) and 'Santas Casas da Misericórdia'."

According to the government official, the Government has recently presented the Regional Programme for the Restructuring of Home Support Services. It is based on the progressive reorganisation of the Home Support Services in the Region by providing these services with a better response capacity and the preparation of a direct support plan directed to caregivers.

For Andreia Cardoso, the operation of the services is based "on interinstitutional cooperation, not just in terms of optimisation or sustainability of services, but also in the clear recognition of the key role played by all institutions in providing social responses to the Azorean population."

Without denying the relevance of institutions, the Regional Secretary stressed that "the Regional Government is particularly aware of the relevance and requirement of caregivers' role."

"In most cases, it is their personal sacrifice that allows the maintenance of the elderly in their communities with their loved ones and in the comfort of their homes," said the government official.

"It is precisely because of these heroes of everyday life that we have developed this programme. Despite the demands of their professional and family life, they give their energy and dedication to ensure the best care to the elderly and dependent people, often without thinking about their own needs," Andreia Cardoso said, stressing the relevance of sharing experiences and good practices.