The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has announced an investment of 10 million euros to increase support for families with special needs and the elderly in the 17 municipalities of Sierra Oeste affected by the fires.
The regional government approved a package of measures for the reconstruction of Sierra Oeste on Wednesday during an extraordinary Council of Government meeting. President Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced a budget of 10 million euros aimed at strengthening care for families with special needs, minor children, elderly individuals in situations of loneliness, as well as residents and professionals of social health centres in the area.
The initiative affects the 17 municipalities that suffered from the wildfires, where more than 56,000 people reside. The regional executive will establish Post-Fire Care Points in each locality, with a specific Social Emergency response team. There, the most vulnerable residents will be offered temporary accommodation alternatives, food support, immediate social assistance, adapted transport, and other services to ensure a safe and dignified recovery.
The Ministry of Family, Youth and Social Affairs will launch an extraordinary service with professionals who will visit the homes of elderly and disabled individuals in situations of dependency. The aim is to strengthen care and companionship for them, as well as their family members and caregivers, in their own environment. This assistance will be complementary to already recognised services and seeks to facilitate family reconciliation and a return to normalcy.
Additionally, the Advanced Teleassistance service will be reinforced, with an increase in follow-up calls and ongoing assessments of each individual. The aim is to detect emerging loneliness situations and refer, when necessary, to specialised support, including psychological companionship.
Individuals who experienced the emergency from the residences, as well as their relatives and the professionals who care for them, will also have access to specialised psychological support. The goal is to prevent the emotional impact resulting from the traumatic experience from lingering and to promote recovery.
To ensure the return to normalcy of social health centres, inspectors from the Social Services of the Community of Madrid will conduct inspection visits to the 16 elderly and disability residences that were evacuated due to the fires within two weeks. They will assess safety conditions, quality of care, and the well-being of the residents.
Finally, the regional government will approve direct aid for affected foster families. This aid will allow for the replenishment of school materials, clothing, toys, and other essential items to ensure the well-being and proper care of children in foster care. Applications can be processed through the Care Points established in each municipality.
Residents of Sierra Oeste who need information or assistance can go to local care points or contact their municipal social services. The measures will be progressively implemented in the coming weeks.
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