The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated today that the restructuring plan for Home Support Services (SAD), carried out by the Government of the Azores for regional institutions, awards priority status to the support for informal caregivers.

"It is essential to support caregivers in their resting moments," stressed Andreia Cardoso. The government official spoke at the opening of the Regional Institutions offering Home Support Services, ensuring that the Restructuring Programme for Home Support Services and Support to Caregivers provides "psychological support as well as a component that seems to be essential, which the rest of caregivers. The latter will be assured through the provision of beds in residential facilities," whenever caregivers have to leave for any reason.

The programme aims to contribute to the maintenance of the elderly and dependent people in their home environment by avoiding or delaying their institutionalisation and providing support for informal caregivers.

"In the Regional Government's perspective that also stems from an assessment that has been made to the Home Support Services for the provision of an alternative service to institutionalisation, it is important to enhance this response," Andreia Cardoso stressed, mentioning the concern to ensure that institutions provide as many services as possible.

In addition to a training component, directed to formal and informal caregivers, Andreia Cardoso added that one of the aspects of the restructuring process includes the revision of the funding model of the Home Support Services. According to her, the Government is preparing a proposal "that will soon be presented to Private Social Solidarity Institutions and 'Santas Casa da Misericórdia'" for the "allocation of funding per service and per user."

The meeting taking place today in Ponta Delgada, promoted by the Azorean Government in coordination with "Casa do Povo" of Capelas, aims to provide institutions offering Home Support Services with a space for reflection on the amendments to be introduced and the needs of each institution, through the sharing of best practices and the presentation of success stories.

The Restructuring Programme for Home Support Services and Support to Caregivers began in 2015 and will be implemented gradually throughout 2016.