Applications for 221 vacancies in "New Elderly" programme open until September 13 - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

The "New Elderly" programme will be extended to the entire Region, with the opening of another 221 vacancies, corresponding to an additional financial effort of about three million Euros, financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

"This is another example of the good projects developed by the Government, which, in light of the excellent results already achieved in this area, has created this pilot project to address our reality as an archipelago region," highlighted the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi.

Applications for this phase of the programme are open until September 13.

The programme implements a proximity response allowing the elderly to continue living in their homes and communities safely and independently over time, including situations where they may have some functional or cognitive limitations.

In practical terms, an Individual Care Plan (PIC) is created and monthly financial support of up to 948 Euros is allocated to ensure the necessary help to carry out basic activities of daily living.

People aged 65 or over are eligible to apply for the "New Elderly" Programme, provided they meet certain requirements and in situations where existing social and family responses prove insufficient to meet the needs of the elderly.

Mónica Seidi added that reference institutions "are fundamental for identifying the individual needs of each new elderly person, guaranteeing differentiated and individualised care, and this is how the conditions are created for this work to be done safely."

The programme involves Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) with proven experience that provide several services, including the pre-existence of social responses geared towards the elderly, such as home care services, residential structures for the elderly and specialised technical teams.

Under the "New Elderly" programme, the following institutions are considered Reference Institutions: the Santa Maria Madalena Shelter; the Santas Casas da Misericórdia (charities) of Nordeste, Povoação, Angra do Heroísmo, Vila da Praia, Graciosa, Lajes do Pico, Santa Cruz das Flores and Corvo; the Augusto César Ferreira Cabido Home and the João Inácio de Sousa Nursing Home.

Mónica Seidi emphasised that "it is essential to think of new solutions for the ageing population, and to help people maintain their autonomy, in their own homes, with their community and with everything familiar to them."

She continued: "This is one of the ways that is proving effective, in addition to bringing a tremendous sense of relief and joy to people who prefer to remain in their homes."

Applications can be submitted to the reference institutions or via email to [email protected] until September 13.

For more information, consult the Azores Government Portal: https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/srsss/novos-idosos.