The Canary Islands Government also finances this service in La Palma, Gran Canaria and El Hierro, managed through their respective councils.
Investment in Home Support Service
The Department of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood and Families of the Canary Islands Government is making a significant investment of €16.8 million in a new Home Support Service (SAD). This initiative aims to assist approximately 1,500 individuals across the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. This new funding builds upon the existing support for over 1,800 individuals already benefiting from similar services in La Palma, Gran Canaria, and El Hierro.
The formalization of this contract was marked by an event featuring Candelaria Delgado, the Minister of Social Welfare, and Francisco Cruz, a representative from BCM Gestión de Servicios S.L. The contract is set for one year, with an option for a one-year extension, indicating a long-term commitment to enhancing home care services in the region.
Focus on Dependency Needs
Candelaria Delgado emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “Today marks an important day for dependency support in the Canary Islands.” She highlighted that the funding will ensure effective and uniform coverage across the Archipelago, providing consistent quality and public control. This approach aims to enhance efficiency in service delivery.
The new SAD is expected to commence operations in early May, catering to individuals in need of support while complementing the existing services managed by councils in Gran Canaria, La Palma, and El Hierro.
Individualised Care Approach
The service is designed with a focus on individualised care, promoting autonomy and preventing unnecessary admissions to residential centres. A dedicated team of over 550 professionals, including assistants and coordinating staff, will provide tailored support to users with varying levels of dependency. The distribution of users is projected as follows: 20% at Level I, 60% at Level II, and 20% at Level III, with care hours ranging from 20 to 94 per month based on individual needs. Overall, more than 700,000 hours of service are anticipated, with a cost of €21.90 per hour, inclusive of travel and regulated working conditions.
Delgado reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals, ensuring that support is accessible regardless of geographical location.
Targeted Support for Vulnerable Individuals
Concepción Ramírez, the Director General of Disability, highlighted that this initiative specifically targets individuals in dependency situations. The aim is to counteract personal deterioration, isolation, and neglect, while also alleviating family crises without replacing their responsibilities. The focus is on enhancing the quality of life for users, fostering social relations, and encouraging community engagement.
Ramírez emphasized the importance of family involvement in finding solutions to prevent breakdowns and unnecessary institutionalisation, aiming to create a supportive environment for users.
Services Offered
The specialised dependency service is distinct from other home assistance types, as it caters specifically to individuals with a recognised level of dependency. The services provided include:
- Initial Situation Assessment: Each user undergoes an individual assessment to determine their specific needs.
- Qualified Professionals: Trained home care assistants deliver the service, addressing both health and psychosocial aspects.
Main Services Provided
- Personal Assistance with Daily Living Activities: This includes support for basic daily activities such as:
- Personal hygiene: assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Nutrition: help with meal preparation and, if needed, assistance with eating.
- Mobility: support with transfers and movement around the house.
- Medication Management: supervision to ensure timely medication intake.
- Basic cleaning of the home.
- Laundry and ironing.
- Assistance with grocery shopping and essential products.
Comprehensive Home Support Service (SAD)
The Home Support Service aims to identify and intervene in personal and family crisis situations, complementing existing family and support networks. It focuses on enhancing quality of life through professional interventions that address various domestic, social, technical, and psychological needs.
The service adopts a community and individualised approach, respecting human dignity and fostering personal autonomy. This enables individuals to remain in their usual living environment while acquiring personal skills to prevent institutionalisation.
Team Composition
To ensure effective management of the service, a well-structured team is essential. This includes a Coordinator, five Coordinators, two Administrative Assistants, and 545 Home Support Assistants. This team will oversee daily operations and be prepared to address any incidents that may arise during service provision.
User Estimates
The contract anticipates approximately 1,500 new users, with care hour requirements determined by their degree of dependency. The distribution is as follows:
- Level I: 20% of users, with estimated care of 20 to 37 hours per month.
- Level II: 60% of users, with estimated care of 38 to 64 hours per month.
- Level III: 20% of users, with estimated care of 65 to 94 hours per month.
The financial aspects of the contract have been calculated based on current market prices and the First Collective Agreement for the Home Support Sector in the Canary Islands. To support the estimated 1,500 users, a total of 717,175 effective hours is projected for delivery at their homes, with a cost per hour of €21.90, inclusive of travel time and allowances for difficult access.
