Local and regional governments as service providers

Like many territories across Europe, the city of Serdivan in northwest Turkey is facing the challenges of caring for an aging population.
 
That is why the municipality has developed the Elderly Support Line. Seniors can apply to have the device and emergency support system installed in their home.
 
Once set up, the senior can call municipal assistance 24/7 by pressing an emergency button worn on a necklace. Thus, elderly people can call for help whether because of falling, heart attack, blood pressure, diabetese or any other problem.
 
The button can also be used on the move as the wireless device enjoys a certain range. The municipality's call centre can be reached without even the hassle of dialing a phone.
 
With the aid alarm, the municipality's response team takes action quickly and reaches the needy, if necessary transporting the patient to the hospital by patient transport or ambulance.
 
If the person cannot reach the municipal call centre for any reason, the call is automatically transferred to the 112 Emergency Call Centre.
 
Caring for seniors
 
Serdivan municipality also provides other services to the elderly, such as house cleaning once a month, food according to demand, personal care, bathing once a week and changing the clothes of bedridden people.
 
The municipal support team also makes doctor's appointments for seniors and takes them to the hospital for examination or routine controls.
 
The project especially supports seniors who may lack nearby relatives. It aims not only to meet seniors' urgent health and household tasks, but also to accompany them and show them they are not alone.
 
Thanks to the Elderly Support Line, Serdivan's seniors can live longer, happier lives as valued members of the community.