- The number of daily calls doubled during the period March 16 – April 6
- 1,100 calls to the Elderly Helpline – 0800 460 001.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ranking of reasons for calls from elderly people
April 8, 2020, Bucharest – Home isolation and social distancing, imposed by the coronavirus crisis, make it difficult for elderly people to obtain essential goods and to interact with others to maintain their mental balance. In this context, Elderly Helpline, the only national, free, and confidential phone line dedicated to elderly people in Romania, registered twice as many daily calls from elderly people and 384 new beneficiaries. Elderly Helpline is a social project of The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, launched four years ago as a solution to the challenges of an aging population, aiming to improve the quality of life of people over 65 years old.
Between March 16 and April 6, the number of phone requests doubled compared to the previous period, reaching up to 100 interactions with elderly people on some days. The number of new callers, seeking support through the special phone line for the first time, increased progressively. The total number of calls received during this period exceeded 1,123 interactions, with 384 new beneficiaries.
Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the ranking of needs expressed by elderly people, who are now facing new challenges for which they seek solutions within their social circle or, in the case of those living alone, within the community. Home-delivered groceries, material support, practical home services, useful information, moral support, and psychological counseling are at the top of the reasons why elderly people have contacted the Elderly Helpline in recent days. Specialized social workers and psychologists from the team responded with dedication, providing guidance and solutions.
“Before the pandemic, we encouraged elderly people to stay active, directing them to senior clubs and volunteer activities. Now, however, we find solutions for them to solve their problems remotely, guiding them to networks of volunteers who provide home-delivered groceries or other resources available in their community. We explain how to pay their bills online or via phone, or we advise them to turn to a trusted neighbor or relative – all to ensure they remain safe at home.” a said Roxana Molocea, coordinator of the Elderly Helpline project.
From the total callers in recent weeks, 66% are women. Regarding the environment they call from, 80% are from large cities, including Bucharest, it being known that loneliness is more pronounced in urban areas. Almost half of those who called the Elderly Helpline are people living alone (44%).
“Thank you so much for helping me with the contacts for shopping! The volunteer was very kind. I would not have expected a stranger to help me this much. He patiently listened as I read the entire list, and even called me from the store because the meat from the company I requested was not available, asking if I wanted it from another one,” said Mr. Constantin, 96 years old, from Bucharest.
The Elderly Helpline – 0800 460 001 – it can be called free of charge from Monday to Friday between 08:00 – 20:00 and on Saturday between 08:00 – 16:00. The line can also be accessed by people who wish to report abuse or a difficult situation involving an elderly person. Since the project’s launch in October 2015, over 41,000 phone interactions have been recorded, initiated by nearly 7,800 unique callers. This service was recognized as the best Social Assistance Services project in Romania at the 2019 Civil Society Gala.
