New Home Help Service in the Canary Islands: A Lifeline for the Dependent

The Canary Islands are set to enhance their social welfare framework with a significant investment aimed at supporting individuals in need. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood, and Families has announced a €16.8 million initiative to launch a new Home Help Service (SAD) starting in May. This service is designed to assist approximately 1,500 individuals across Tenerife, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, expanding upon the existing support already provided to over 1,800 individuals in La Palma, Gran Canaria, and El Hierro.

Contract Signing and Service Overview

On a recent Wednesday, Candelaria Delgado, the Minister for Social Welfare, alongside Francisco Cruz from BCM Management of Services S.L., formalized the contract for this initiative. The event was attended by Concepción Ramírez, the Director General for Disability, highlighting the importance of this service in the region. The contract is set for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year, ensuring continuity in care for those who need it most.

The Home Help Service aims to provide individualized care that promotes autonomy and prevents the need for residential care. With a workforce of over 550 professionals, including assistants and coordination staff, the service is poised to deliver comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of each user.

Who Will Benefit?

The service is designed to cater to individuals with varying degrees of dependency. The anticipated distribution of users includes 20% at level I, 60% at level II, and 20% at level III. Each user will receive between 20 and 94 hours of assistance monthly, depending on their specific needs. In total, the service expects to deliver over 700,000 hours of care, with a cost of €21.90 per hour, which encompasses travel expenses and regulated working conditions.

This initiative specifically targets individuals facing dependency challenges, aiming to counteract issues such as personal deterioration, social isolation, and neglect. By addressing these challenges, the service seeks to enhance the quality of life for users while supporting their families without taking over their responsibilities.

Tailored Services for Individual Needs

What sets this Home Help Service apart from other forms of assistance is its focus on individuals with recognized dependency needs. Before services commence, a thorough assessment will be conducted to evaluate each user’s situation. This assessment will guide the development of a personalized care plan that outlines the specific services required.

Home help assistants, trained to support dependent individuals, will provide a range of services that include:

• Personal Assistance: Help with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, feeding, and medication management.
• Mobility Support: Assistance for users with mobility challenges, ensuring they can move safely within their homes.
• Household Maintenance: Basic tasks like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping to help maintain a comfortable living environment.
• Emotional Support: Companionship to combat social isolation, particularly for elderly individuals or those with disabilities living alone.

The Team Behind the Service

To ensure the effective management of this service, a dedicated team will be assembled. This team will consist of one coordinator, five coordinators, two administrative aides, and 545 home help assistants. Together, they will oversee daily operations and be prepared to handle any incidents or unforeseen challenges that may arise.

The projected number of new users within the service area is around 1,500, with care hours allocated based on each individual’s degree of dependency. The service aims to provide a total of 717,175 effective hours of care, ensuring that all users receive the support they need.

Fair Compensation for Care Workers

Salary costs for the contract have been determined in line with existing market rates and the First Collective Agreement for the Home Help Sector in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The hourly rate of €21.90 includes travel time, with additional allowances for difficult access or long distances. Furthermore, caregivers will receive a 15-minute break for shifts exceeding six continuous hours, adhering to legal requirements.

This investment in the Home Help Service reflects a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals in the Canary Islands, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary to maintain their independence and dignity.