The project became fully operational in early June across the seven municipalities of the Beira Baixa CIM, following the signing of an agreement with the GNR’s Castelo Branco Territorial Command.

According to data released today by the Castelo Branco GNR commander, Colonel Luís Patrício, the process began in March 2025 with the signing of an agreement between the GNR and the Beira Baixa CIM. It concluded in January with the distribution of devices and the establishment of relevant procedures.

eGuard launched in early June; by 27 July, the GNR had recorded 305 activations of the tele-assistance device, with 100% of cases receiving monitoring and a response.

New to the elderly users

However, Colonel Luís Patrício explained that, as the system was new to the elderly users, eight out of ten activations were accidental—meaning that, despite being false alarms, they resulted in conversations between the seniors and the GNR officer operating the tele-assistance system.

The Castelo Branco GNR commander explained the project’s importance for the Beira Baixa region, noting that the latest Senior Census (2025) identified 2,313 elderly individuals living in isolation or vulnerable situations within the district.

“We must live with this reality and improve our response,” emphasised Luís Patrício.

Intial review

Data from the initial review of eGuard’s operation within the Beira Baixa CIM area show that 20 devices have been distributed to seniors in the municipalities of Oleiros, Vila Velha de Ródão, and Penamacor; Idanha-a-Nova has 15; Proença-a-Nova and Castelo Branco have 10 each; and Sertã has received five devices.

The eGuard project aims to ensure that elderly individuals facing incapacity, isolation, and a lack of support can safely remain in their own homes by using an electronic device that guarantees constant assistance through GNR (National Republican Guard) monitoring.

Four priority levels were established for the distribution of the initial 100 devices: age (over 65) and residence in participating municipalities, living alone, degree of dependency, and geographic isolation combined with a lack of support.

These criteria were defined by the Beira Baixa Intermunicipal Community (CIM) and the GNR.

João Lobo, president of the Beira Baixa CIM, explained that the municipality of Vila de Rei is not part of the eGuard program because it already has a similar system contracted with another entity.

The official highlighted the GNR’s fundamental role in this initiative and noted that, following the project’s implementation and coordination, it is necessary to assess the capacity to install additional devices and analyse the potential to expand the service provided.

The Beira Baixa CIM comprises the municipalities of Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Oleiros, Penamacor, Proença-a-Nova, Sertã, Vila de Rei, and Vila Velha de Ródão, all located in the Castelo Branco district.