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Description
In 2019, 2013 people received care from the Social Welfare Centre in Olsztyn and neighbouring municipalities, 60% of whom were aged over 80. The number of families assisted in caring for dependants was 1416 in 2017 and 1584 in 2019. This number is increasing, and the Welfare Centre in Olsztyn and families themselves stress that there is insufficient access to various forms of support. Families in which the need to care for a dependant arises suddenly, such as in the case of a stroke, are in difficult situation. Due to families being ill-prepared to provide care, dependants are often placed in full-time care.This project addresses the problems of families of dependent people and the problem of lack of facilities where they can receive comprehensive support and therefore provide proper care at home. We will open a school for carers of elderly people: training (nurse, physiotherapist, geriatrician) and conduct workshops on social competences, rights of dependent people, and advocacy activities. We will provide one-on-one and group psychological counselling, legal advice, advice on care (including in elderly person’s homes) and respite care. We will produce individual support plans for twenty families and start self-help groups, and form a network of contacts and database with information about the forms of help available. We will produce two handbooks and ten instructional videos on rights of dependent people, the forms of help available, and principles of providing care. We will organise an Elderly Ombudsman assistance service (advice, help in emergencies, representation) and an educational conference for care organisations. We will publish two issues of the quarterly Generacja.This will create a coordinated support system for families of dependent people, enabling them to feel safe and have a better life. 100 people will receive support.Dependent elderly people and their families from Olsztyn and neighbouring municipalities will participate in the activities.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the lack of comprehensive support for dependent people and their families. The care services provided by the Social Support Centre in Olsztyn and the surrounding communes covered 2013 people (2019), 60% of whom were over 80 years old. The number of families supported in the care of dependent persons is increasing: 1416 families in 2017 and 1584 in 2019. In Poland, the elderly are most often cared for by women aged 50-69. On the one hand, the availability of various forms of support is insufficient, and on the other hand, families are often unprepared for their caring role. The problems they face include loneliness in coping with everyday problems, exhaustion, dispersion of institutions and support organisations, lack of access to comprehensive counselling, information and legal services, as well as an objective approach to elderly people in institutional care.
The project created a Regional Assistance Zone - a place where elderly and dependent people and their families received comprehensive, specialised psychological, legal, rehabilitation and care support. Support included, for example, familiarising families with current legislation, assistance with benefit applications, medical appointments or obtaining rehabilitation equipment. Ombudsman services were provided for older people. Five editions of a school for carers were held, with a total of 33 participants. Training courses on care and caring, workshops on social skills, communication, relaxation and workshops on self-advocacy - the rights of carers and dependants and how to assert and represent one''s rights - were provided. There were also support groups and self-help groups. Each family was supported by a Family Support Worker, a person who is in constant contact with the family, responding to needs as they arise, helping with medical appointments or simply keeping them company. Families also benefited from respite support.
The project created a co-ordinated support system for people with disabilities and their families. 79 families received concrete support in their care. Their sense of security was increased, especially through the support of the Family Support Worker. People participating in the project have regained agency in exercising their rights in various institutions. An important effect of the project is a significant improvement in the quality of life of older and dependent people. Another important change is the tightening and strengthening of cooperation between organisations and support institutions such as municipalities, welfare centres, hospitals and others.