The Cabildo of La Gomera and APEDECA are launching a pioneering project to prevent social isolation among those over 65, with special attention to rural areas.
A total of 142,000 euros is the investment that the Cabildo of La Gomera has allocated to 'La Gomera Acompaña', a programme aimed at reducing unwanted loneliness among those over 65 on the island. The initiative, developed alongside the Association for the Assistance of Dependent Persons in the Canary Islands (APEDECA), will focus on residents in situations of social vulnerability, with limited support networks or difficulties accessing resources.
A project for the entire island, focusing on rural areas
The island president, Casimiro Curbelo, explained that the agreement with APEDECA will allow action across the entire island territory, but with special attention to rural and hard-to-reach areas. “This proposal reinforces our commitment to social policies and the construction of a more inclusive community,” Curbelo noted, linking the initiative to the aging population and the increase in single-person households on the island.
The councillor for Social Policy, Rosa Elena García Meneses, highlighted that the project not only addresses emotional and social needs but also generates economic activity and employment on the island. “It contributes to a more coordinated and preventive management of public resources,” she stated.
Personalised attention and group support
The programme includes support in basic and instrumental daily living activities, individualised attention to social and emotional needs, improvement of home safety and habitability, and information on social benefits. It also includes individual and group support programmes, as well as meaningful activities tailored to the interests of the elderly.
Early detection of social isolation situations will be key, for which they will coordinate with social services, health resources, and community agents. The ultimate goal is for elderly individuals to be able to remain in their usual environment in conditions of well-being, maintaining their autonomy and active participation.
How to access the service
Elderly residents over 65 in La Gomera who wish to benefit from the programme, or those who want to report a case, can contact APEDECA via phone 692 89 02 48 or email info@apedeca.org (the original source does not provide the exact email, but it can be obtained from the Cabildo). The service will be provided across the entire island, with particular emphasis on the more dispersed municipalities.
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