Goals: describe the main goals of the good practice

This initiative provides the opportunity to the elderly to communicate immediately with the Coordination Center of Calls management 24hours per day, every day, whenever there is a health related emergency, or the elderly feels threatened. Specialized staff provides services that range from counselling to medical care according to the needs of each person in need.

Target Group: describe on which group the good practice is targeted

Older people regardless their financial or family status

Priority is given to those who live on their own, or do not have family members who can care for them, or have healthy problems.

Approach: describe the way in which the good practice is implemented.

The project provides to elderly a small device that they wear on their neck or hand. When the elderly is in need, he/ she simply pushes the red button on the device, which transmits the emergency signal to the Coordination Center of Calls management that operates 24 hours a day. Trained staff is responsible for responding to the emergency calls, such aspsychologists, social workers, nurses, doctors, etc.

Additionally, specialized social workers oversee the elderly, evaluate cases by conducting interviews and provide social support.

Who does implement this good practice? Mention, if relevant, the organisation or persons who do the work.

Currently, this service is made available by a Greek NGO

What material is available on this good practice (description, website etc.)

Website:http://www.lifelinehellas.gr/

How widely is this good practice used in your country?

Even though this good practice is implemented only by a Greek NGO, its nature (24hour emergency line) allows the provision of services to a wide range of senior citizens

What are the results, outcomes, experiences with this good practice? Please mention the source(s).

Through this service senior citizens can easily request help in emergencies, while keeping their independence.

Are there effect studies? Please mention the source(s) if the answer is ‘yes’.

No

What are the success factors?

24hour operation

Immediate response to an emergency

Specialised staff trained to meet the different needs of elderly