The Socialist Group within the Tenerife Cabildo, which holds the majority within the institution, has today highlighted the significant delays affecting the telecare service for dependent elderly residents on the Island. This situation has resulted in a waiting list exceeding four thousand individuals, as confirmed by the Minister of Social Action during an inquiry by the PSOE in a plenary session. As we approach the end of 2024, the IASS – the Cabildo body responsible for managing social services – is only addressing requests made over a year ago.
The telecare service enables dependent elderly individuals to lead autonomous lives, allowing them to remain at home while still receiving specialist care through electronic means. This service is crucial for their quality of life, particularly in light of the delays associated with the establishment of new residential facilities under the Cabildo’s guidance, which include completed and available residences, such as in La Victoria de Acentejo.
Established under the Dependency Law, the service began in 2022, during the presidency of Pedro Martín at the Tenerife Cabildo, with Marián Franquet overseeing this sector.
In that year, one thousand telecare positions were created, and the PSOE government group’s projection was to finish 2023 with an additional 218 positions, which never materialised following the implementation of the new insular administration of CC and PP, supported externally by Vox.
The team led by Rosa Dávila “neglected” to create new positions in the agreement signed with the Government of the Canary Islands. As a result, no additions were made until October of this year when an amendment to the agreement was executed, rendering this year ineffective for telecare development, and merely leading to a backlog of individuals on the waiting list.
“There are four thousand dependent elderly individuals residing in their homes on the island of Tenerife who are awaiting a telecare service,” explained Marián Franquet. She further commented, “These individuals and their families are reassured that, should anything occur, they can seek assistance through a button they wear around their neck or on a bracelet. This service is acutely necessary. When we left the island’s government, there were no lengthy waiting times, typically just one or two months. Presently, there are 4,000 individuals awaiting over a year to have a device installed in their home that ensures safety for elderly residents and their families,” she concluded.
