Currently, the Estepona City Council is providing assistance to 730 individuals with a recognized level of dependency or vulnerability. They have made improvements by increasing the hours of care and technical support, and are set to launch a digital care platform soon. The council has introduced a new 24/7 hotline for users of home help to make inquiries or report incidents free of charge. This initiative is part of the new municipal home help service contract aimed at those with dependency or vulnerability. In 2025, the number of home help beneficiaries has risen to 730, up from 665 in 2024. The service, designed to help those with limited autonomy or vulnerability, aims to support individuals to stay in their homes under suitable conditions. The councilor for Social Welfare, Maria Aguilar, emphasizes the significance of this service for the elderly and their families. Most users of the service in Estepona are women between 80 and 89 years old. Plans are underway to introduce the VERA project, a virtual social center, to provide digital assistance services. The City Council has enhanced the service by increasing technical aids and introducing innovative technologies to support the elderly in staying active and connected. Additional resources have been allocated to provide more services and technical aids, such as orthopedic lifts, beds, shower chairs, and home devices with artificial intelligence. The home help service, funded by the Junta de Andalucía, aims to ensure the well-being and independence of dependent individuals in their homes.
New 24/7 Home Help Service Activated by City Council