Barcelos municipality provides teleassistance to vulnerable residents

The Barcelos municipality in Portugal delivered teleassistance equipment to 76 vulnerable people living across 28 parishes in the district.

The initiative aims to improve safety and autonomy for residents, particularly those who live alone or face social fragility. The project, titled Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável em Barcelos, primarily targets residents aged 65 or older but also includes individuals of other ages who require support due to their personal circumstances.

The municipality said the beneficiaries range in age from 44 to 95 years old, with a higher representation of women among the recipients. The Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa provides the teleassistance service, which includes emergency response, remote medical advice, and scheduled calls to combat isolation. The system also sends alerts for medication and medical appointments. The municipality expanded the project from an initial goal of 50 devices to 76 devices through cooperation between involved organizations.

Local parish councils and the Rede Social de Barcelos helped identify residents in isolated situations. The municipality conducted home visits and socioeconomic assessments for all applicants to ensure the equipment reached those with the greatest need. The project is a joint effort between the municipality, the Centro Social da Paróquia de Arcozelo, the Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, and the association Sopro, Solidariedade e Promoção.