The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity delivered in Madalena, under the Government's statutory visit to Pico, the first teleassistance device. It consists of a telephone support service promoted by the Government of the Azores that aims to guarantee immediate assistance in situations of risk or emergency.
 
Andreia Cardoso delivered a device on fixed mode that is intended for users who remain in their home. It will allow them, from any part of their residence, to establish immediate telephone contact with the Portuguese Red Cross (CVP), a partner institution of the Azorean Government in the provision of this service.
 
There are also devices on mobile mode in which the user can use a mobile service, based on a specific mobile phone that provides the location of the user by GPS and Cell ID and establishes immediate telephone contact with CVP.
 
This mode is more suited for people who can still maintain activities outside their homes.
 
The applications, which began to be submitted in June, are open throughout the year for elderly people living in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, aged 65 or over, and dependent users who meet the requirements stipulated by the regulation in force.
 
The Teleassistance Service operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, through a fixed or mobile terminal, being activated by an emergency button combined with a speakerphone. It allows users to talk, to be located and to be identified by the call centre of the Portuguese Red Cross, which makes the immediate assessment of the situation and provides the most appropriate response.
 
Applications should be formalised at the local services of the Azores Social Security Institute and the necessary information for the application is also available at http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/srss-drss/livres/Serviço+Teleassistência.htm.