Publication date: 10.06.2024
Supporting older people in communities: best practices and challenges
Introduction
The population of Ukraine, like most developed countries, is rapidly aging. According to the State Statistics Service, the share of people aged 60 and older already exceeds 22% of the total population. This poses new challenges for local communities to ensure decent living conditions for the elderly. In this article, we will consider best practices in providing care and support to older people at the community level, as well as key issues that need to be addressed.
Demographic trends and needs of the elderly
Population aging is a global trend caused by a combination of factors: declining birth rates, improved medicine and life expectancy. In Ukraine, this trend is particularly noticeable during the last decades. In addition to purely quantitative changes, a transformation of the very structure of the elderly population is also observed. In particular, the share of people in older age groups (75+) who need special attention and assistance is growing.
The main needs of the elderly include:
-Medical service and care
- Social and household support
- Active longevity and self-realization
-Psychological comfort and communication
Best practices for supporting older people at the community level
Effective work with the elderly requires a comprehensive approach and the involvement of the resources of the entire community. Among the best practices that demonstrate successful examples, we can highlight:
Development of a network of territorial centers for the provision of social services.These institutions provide a wide range of assistance: from social and household services to the organization of cultural and leisure activities.
Implementation of the "Social patronage" system. It provides for the assignment of a social worker for each elderly resident, who makes regular visits, monitors needs and provides the necessary assistance.
Creation of "Houses of social purpose". These modern multifunctional centers combine elements of inpatient and day care, as well as social and cultural rehabilitation.
Development of volunteer initiatives. Involvement of active members of the community in providing assistance and organizing leisure for the elderly.
Providing a barrier-free environment. Adaptation of infrastructure, transport, housing, etc. for comfortable movement and stay of elderly people.
Key problems and ways to solve them
Despite positive examples, the field of support for the elderly in Ukraine still faces a number of systemic problems:
- Insufficient budgetary funding of social services. It is necessary to increase the expenditures of local budgets for the development of the network of territorial centers, social purpose buildings, etc.
- Personnel shortage of social workers. It is necessary to increase the prestige of this profession, to develop programs for the training and retraining of personnel.
- Barriers to access to services. It is important to raise the awareness of the elderly about the available options and to simplify the procedures for obtaining assistance.
-Risk of social isolation. Emphasize measures aimed at active longevity and integration of older people into community life.- A comprehensive solution to these problems will significantly improve the quality of life of the elderly and provide them with a dignified and active longevity.
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