The Elderly People’s Helpline – First Semester 2023: 53% of callers live alone, and 44% requested essential information
Infographic – The Elderly People’s Helpline, First Semester 2023
- Over 5,400 phone calls recorded in the first half of 2023
- 1,000 new callers to the Elderly People’s Helpline for guidance and counseling
- Useful information and practical support – the top needs expressed
In the first half of the year, the licensed social service The Elderly People’s Helpline – 0800 460 001, a national and toll-free line dedicated to senior citizens in Romania, operated by The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, registered 5,422 phone calls.
More than 1,000 elderly people, first-time callers from Moldova, Transylvania, Banat, Muntenia, Dobrogea, Oltenia, Bucharest, or Ilfov, received essential information for daily living: about social services in their community, support for basic activities (shopping, housekeeping, cooking assistance, etc.), and opportunities for active living, including encouragement to volunteer in support of children at local social centers. Those affected by one of the hardest challenges of old age — loneliness, living without family or social support — found practical solutions through the Helpline, such as registration for weekly call-backs, free psychological counseling via the helpline, or guidance to specialized local services.
Demographics of callers: residence: 45% of first-time callers at 0800 460 001 come from rural areas or small towns.
Living situation: 53% live alone, 26% with a partner, 10% with others or in a senior care home, and 9% with grandchildren or children
Age: 31% aged 70–80, over 17% aged 80–90, over 16% aged 65–70, 12% under 50 (usually relatives calling on behalf of seniors), and almost 12% aged 50–60
At the top of the seniors’ needs remained access to useful information, expressed by 439 callers. A specialized team of social workers provides daily precise, practical, and up-to-date information, drawing from a database that includes over 450 public and private social service institutions and providers.
The need for care and support according to the level of dependency remains in second place among the top calls, with 296 elderly callers receiving information about functional services, as well as recommendations regarding institutions that provide specialized home care and residential centers.
In third place among the top calls from elderly people were requests for financial and material support. 177 seniors were directed to community social services, operated by DGASs or NGOs, to receive personalized and ongoing assistance. Additionally, the Foundation supported some seniors with social vouchers, hygiene products, and essential goods.
"I’m not ashamed to say that I live on one loaf of bread a day. During the holidays, I wished for a little change, to feel like everyone else. With the social vouchers from the Foundation, I was able to buy potatoes, beans, oil, and a pair of warm slippers because my feet were cold. I also had to buy food, or I would have starved. I’m very happy, my heart is full again! Thanks to you, I had wonderful holidays!" shared Mr. S., 72 years old, a beneficiary of the Elderly People’s Helpline.
83 seniors who called for the first time in the first six months of the year were seeking emotional support, coping with loneliness or social/personal challenges. They were directed to NGOs with specialized local services. 225 seniors benefited from emotional support through the weekly call-back service and psychological counseling provided by social workers, volunteers, and psychologists from the Foundation team
"Every time I hear you, my heart warms, and your kind words make me happy. When I speak with you, I feel at least five years younger. I am grateful that you call and care for me," shared Mrs. I., 70 years old, a beneficiary of the weekly call-back service.
For 45 seniors who expressed the desire to be active, the Elderly Helpline provided information about volunteer opportunities in the community, such as Generations Centers, and encouraged participation in activities organized by senior clubs, mainly in urban areas.
Elderly people across Romania who need information, social guidance, or relief from loneliness can call The Elderly People’s Helpline – 0800 460 001 free of charge, Monday to Friday, 08:00–20:00, and Saturday, 08:00–16:00.
The Helpline is a social project supported by Vodafone Romania Foundation, Romanian National Lottery, Alliance Healthcare, and S.C. Johnson Wax.
