Peripatetic night carers : a new service for elderly people with reduced independence

©Direction de la Communication - Stéphane Danna

With home assistance for elderly people becoming an increasingly high priority, the Principality of Monaco – and specifically the Monaco Gerontological Coordination Centre (CCGM) – is launching a new service: peripatetic night carers. This service, which is brand new for the Principality, aims to offer elderly people with reduced independence personalised assistance at night, as well as support for their carers.

Designed to allow elderly people to remain in their own homes under the best possible conditions, this new service will provide one or two nighttime visits, each lasting up to 45 minutes, in accordance with recommendations drawn up following a gerontological review carried out by the CCGM.

Thanks to a partnership with care companies accredited by the Prince’s Government, qualified carers will:

• Secure the home (shutters, gas, etc.);
• Supervise the taking of prepared medication;
• Soothe any nighttime anxieties;
• Provide care or encouragement (late bedtime, changing, personal hygiene);
• Take them to use the bathroom or provide appropriate assistance.

In addition to meeting the needs of elderly people, this service will also help them to retain their independence and their peace of mind.

Welcome respite for carers

Carers, who are often on call both night and day, will gain some valuable support through this service. By taking over during the night, peripatetic carers will offer them some vital downtime, reducing their mental and physical load.

A proactive, outstanding approach

Led by the CCGM and the Monaco Government, this initiative demonstrates Monaco’s commitment to allowing people to age at home with dignity. The service is also eligible for coverage via the autonomy allowance, providing that there is a comprehensive care plan in place that includes daytime assistance.

“By offering this innovative service, Monaco is positioning itself as a model for how to support elderly people, through a combination of innovation, humanity and respect for elderly people’s life choices,” says Philippe Migliasso, the senior healthcare executive and administrator behind the initiative.