Andorra Red Cross Telecare Service Hits 774 Users in 2025, Up 42% from 2020

Andorra's Red Cross telecare service reached 774 users by the end of 2025, reflecting a 41.76% increase from 2020 with 228 additional participants.

The service now supports 711 people through home-based telecare and 63 via mobile geolocalized watches introduced in 2024, designed for active elderly users who often leave home. Service coordinator Antoni Calvente highlighted its strong performance in the Principality. About 80% of home telecare participants have adopted the watches as well. More than 250 use the home fall detection add-on, which assisted SUM paramedics and firefighters in 800 to 1,000 interventions last year. Over 500 benefit from the free key custody service, enabling rapid medical access during emergencies.

In 2025, most alerts stemmed from falls, discomfort, or physical pain, though staff also handle frequent calls related to loneliness, anxiety, or depression. Users average 82 years old, including six centenarians aged 100 to 102—five women and one man. The service covers 30 individuals with disabilities or cognitive challenges under Fundació Privada Tutelar, around 30 people aged 50 to 60 with serious illnesses, and 70 vulnerable residents subsidized by Social Affairs. Some 469 live alone.

The Red Cross is advancing mobile telecare enhancements, including a new geolocalized watch with automatic fall detection that triggers without button activation. A pilot test starts this week, with rollout possible soon if successful. The device could also integrate family tracking via a mobile app, defining safety zones that notify relatives and the Red Cross if crossed. If it proves suitable for Andorra, implementation might follow within months.