The Regional Government has reactivated its Home Support Caregivers project, recruiting 24 new operational assistants to help patients make a safe transition from hospital to their own homes.
The new assistants were welcomed at Dr Nélio Mendonça Hospital and will now undertake a month of theoretical training coordinated by SESARAM’s Social Service. Their practical training will take place on wards at the Dr João de Almada and Marmeleiros hospitals, working with patients who are ready to be discharged.
Once operational, the service will provide support in patients’ homes between 08:00 and 16:00, combining direct assistance from a caregiver with monitoring by a social worker.
Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection Micaela Freitas said the scheme was an innovative response to the challenges created by Madeira’s ageing population.
“It is not normal for health services to provide this service directly in people’s homes, but we believe it is a response that will make all the difference to families’ lives,” she said.
Support will be provided for 30 days following discharge, giving families time to reorganise and arrange longer-term care where necessary.
Access to the scheme will depend upon specific eligibility criteria, including the patient’s level of need at home and the availability of support from relatives.
According to the Regional Government, the project will not only assist families and combat social isolation but could also delay admission to residential care and help release hospital beds.
Officials thanked SESARAM’s Social Service for its work in developing the scheme and reminded the new recruits that the role requires not only technical competence but also empathy and close personal contact with patients.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Views: 5
