Santa Cruz de Tenerife Overhauls Home Care System to Improve Efficiency

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is overhauling its home care system to better support vulnerable residents. Starting in mid-May, the City Council plans to reform the Home Help Service (SAD) by integrating it with Social Care Economic Benefits (PEAS), aiming to make assistance more flexible and efficient.

This change, which will be voted on at the next municipal meeting, addresses long-standing operational issues. The City Council has been working with the provider Atende under a contract that was technically void, though the service continued due to its essential nature. After clearing a six-million-euro debt, Social Policies lead Charín González has introduced a hybrid model to support the 1,400 current users and clear a waiting list of 50 people.

Under the new system, beneficiaries can choose between two options:

1. Direct Service: The City Council is urgently tendering for a company to provide traditional home care.
2. Direct Financial Aid: Residents can receive up to 16,000 euros per year (calculated at 22 euros per hour) to pay for care through authorized providers. The City Council is also working to establish its own pool of local providers.

This benefit, which can be requested by calling 900 111 333, covers up to three hours of care per day—a total of 720 hours annually—for tasks such as cleaning, shopping, meal preparation, and personal hygiene. Additionally, a special initiative for the Anaga area will provide residents with home visits from a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, physiotherapists, and personal trainers.

By allowing users to choose their preferred method of care, the City Council aims to professionalize the service and resolve the administrative uncertainty that has hindered care in the capital. The new approach will focus public contracts on a set volume of 1,800 hours, while using the PEAS system to manage any additional demand.