At our February General Assembly we enjoyed a very interesting and informative talk from representatives of the Red Cross, Pedro Dominguez and Charo xxxxx, the local Director, who talked about the many services they offer in the community. Charo is based in Moraira/Teulada but covers the valleys and their 10 villages.
Cruz Roja´s main goal is to work together with other organisations to support the whole community.
They explained that they support families in need financially and with food provision via food vouchers, they support children, disabled, elderly and people with medical issues, assist people to find employment through contacts in the community, provide first aid training, can assist with transport to hospital appointments, can assist with administration issues eg passports and TIEs, can liaise with authorities on one’s behalf and offer advice re reducing household bills e.g. electricity costs. They hold a memory clinic at La Pedrera hospital in Denia twice a month and run summer and winter campaigns advising people how to look after themselves and stay safe.
They explained that loneliness and isolation is a major issue for many people and they provide a free telephone service to offer support run by volunteers and psychologists.
A very valuable service is the supply of personal alarms, both in the home and to be worn, at a very reasonable cost of just 1 euro a day. There is no installation cost and the base equipment is mobile so it can be taken from home to home. A couple only pay for one service, not individually. It can also remind people about doctors and hospital appointments, to take medication and they can even call users on their birthday.
They explained how alarm calls are received at their 24/7 headquarters in Alicante and Red Cross personnel assistance from a local base or an ambulance are despatched. In addition, they hold contact details of a next of kin who is notified and they can also hold detailed personal medical records so the emergency team have all the important information to hand when attending. They can also be key holders to obtain entry if there is no next of kin available.
The Red Cross can also supply fume detectors, specialist medical equipment and pressure/movement detection alarms and personal trackers, some of which are extremely useful for assisting with anyone living with dementia.
They work closely with other organisations such as Jalon Valley Help and JVH can refer you.
It was reassuring to know there is such help and support in the community should be need it.