Santa Cruz de Tenerife 21. (Press Europa) –
The Governing Council of the Canary Islands has ratified a decree on Monday that stipulates the process for acknowledging dependency status and the associated benefits under the personal autonomy and care system in the Canary Islands.
This decree represents a “progressive step and a significant improvement” in the assistance system for dependents and their families, as it outlines the simplification of procedures, access to electronic channels, and subsequently, a decrease in waiting times for the recognition of corresponding rights and aides, as stated in a press conference by the Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado.
Essentially, the regulation determines that with just one visit from the professional team of the General Directorate of Dependency, the level of dependency of the applicant and their individual care plan (PIA) can be assessed. Previously, each of these processes required separate procedures and reports, resulting in lengthy waiting times as reflected by the current backlog.
According to the regulations governing dependency recognition (Royal Decree 174/2011 of February 11) and recommendations from Imserso, the professionals who form these assessment teams have a socio-health background.
“This initiative will help mitigate the waiting lists for dependencies, as the efforts we have made thus far, managing to reduce waiting times by more than 30%, were still insufficient. We needed to act promptly to significantly lessen the time required to determine the level of dependence and corresponding assistance, and the establishment of a streamlined procedure is one of the measures that will facilitate achieving more reasonable timelines, ensuring individuals receive dignified care and timely access to assistance,” she explained.
Delgado also noted that other autonomous communities have successfully revised their decrees, such as Madrid and Cantabria, which are marginally above the six-month limit set by law, or the Basque Country and Castilla León, which have managed to reduce waiting times below the statutory minimum, “which is our ultimate aim.”
