In a bid to better support its elderly population and promote independence in old age, the Monaco Government has launched a pioneering new service in the form of Les Gardes Itinérantes de Nuit, or Mobile Night Guards. The scheme, created by the Monaco Gerontological Coordination Centre (CCGM), will provide personalised nighttime care programmes for elderly residents struggling with a loss of autonomy.
Designed to help seniors continue living independently at home, Monaco’s new Mobile Night Guards service offers one or two visits, lasting up to 45 minutes each night. Schedules are tailored to individual needs, based on a comprehensive gerontological assessment by the CCGM, and are delivered in partnership with government-accredited personal care companies to ensure high standards of professionalism and care.
This nighttime health service will provide more than basic assistance: staff will ensure personal safety by addressing concerns such as securing windows and checking gas outputs, overseeing timely medication intake and helping alleviate nighttime anxieties. The teams will also provide essential physical care, including assistance with late bedtimes, washing, changing, mobility and support for toilet use and other personal needs.
The goal of this holistic care model is not only to meet practical challenges but also safeguard the dignity, autonomy and emotional well-being of seniors.
For caregivers, who often face the strain of round-the-clock support, this service offers a much-needed respite. By taking on nighttime responsibilities, the mobile healthcare teams allow caregivers to rest and recharge, reducing mental and physical strain, and enabling them to maintain their long-term roles.
The service is being integrated into the Autonomy Benefit programme, allowing eligible seniors to access it as part of a comprehensive care plan that also includes daytime interventions.
“With this innovative service, Monaco is positioning itself as a leader in supporting the elderly, combining innovation, humanity, and respect for the life choices of seniors,” says Philippe Migliasso, a Senior Health Executive for the Principality and the visionary behind the initiative.
The Gardes Itinérantes de Nuit service is not only a practical solution; it reflects Monaco’s commitment to empowering its aging population and their families, setting a benchmark for compassionate and effective elder care.
For more information about the service, click here.
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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department