Description
The aim of the project is to build the capacity of the project promoter and its partners in order to be able to assist people with mental disabilities in their transition to the third age. This is an area that is currently not covered by the Greek welfare state, since care for the mentally disabled is only provided to people up to the age of 45, an age where according to research the transition to the third age for this population group occurs. Currently there are no structures, either state or by NGOs, that provide care for the mentally disabled until the end of their lives. The project aspires to cover this gap by first conducting a mapping and research on the target population which will include a needs assessment, which will involve the collaboration of a network of NGOs involved in this thematic area. Following the analysis of the research data, an action plan will be drafted, in order to ensure that the target group’s need are adequately met.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was the preparation of professionals working with people with intellectual disability, to help and support them through their transition to older age, as well as provide support to their families. The aging of this particular group of people begins to occur at the age of 30-35 years. From this critical age and for the rest of their lives, there is a gap in the provision of care for people with intellectual disability by the State and the various supporting organizations. During the materialization of the project, the people with intellectual disability that took part in the project were directly supported by the professionals working in social care centers and in local authorities who collaborated in this project. The professionals, after they were trained, they conducted a research, and noted down the needs of people with intellectual disability in relation to this project. In addition, a study was conducted in collaboration with the participating organization which presents specific and valid methods to address this problem. The training material that was produced and the questionnaire for recording the real needs of elderly people with intellectual disability has already been made available to the professionals that took part in the training and the people that participated in the closing event. It is also available to anyone that may be interested through the portal that was created for uploading activities, exchanging views, supporting the project, providing information and generally for the project’s publicity. The two main objectives of the project have been met: 160 people with intellectual disability have already received and will continue to receive after the completion of the project direct support on issues relating to older age. Moreover, four organizations and five municipalities have formed a network and have obtained the knowhow in order to be able to support elderly people with intellectual disability efficiently.
Summary of bilateral results