Teleassistance is a service that allows elderly, dependent or isolated people to request help through a small device worn on the wrist, neck or carried with them. When the button is activated, contact is established with a call center where an operator assesses the situation and can contact family members, neighbors or emergency services. In Portugal, the service can be provided by municipalities, social sector institutions or private entities, being included in Ordinance No. 38/2013 among the services that can be provided within the scope of the Home Support Service.
In the Azores, the official service operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year through an emergency button and speaker system, with operators from the Portuguese Red Cross who identify the user, assess the situation and activate the most appropriate response. The service does not only function as an alarm, but has someone on the other end to receive the request, maintain contact with the person and mobilize the necessary help.
One of the examples of municipalities providing the service free of charge is Olhão, through the "Olhão por Si" program, which provides beneficiaries with a bracelet with SOS button, GPS location and fall detection. The support is granted for one year, renewable, and is available 24 hours a day at no cost for those who meet the requirements, which include being 65 or older, residing in the municipality for at least five years, having a monthly income not exceeding the Social Support Index and living alone or alone during part of the day or night.
Being over 65 years old does not automatically guarantee access to free equipment, as conditions and costs vary according to the program existing in the place of residence. Each municipality may establish criteria related to income, isolation, dependency or length of residence. To find out if the service exists in your area, the recommendation is to contact the Municipal Council, Parish Council or private social solidarity institutions that provide home support.
