LONG-TERM CARE OF OLDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Co-funded by the European Union /L/ONG-TERM CARE OF OLDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS The most important findings of the regional study created within the three-year project “Strengthening the resilience of the older persons and persons with disabilities during COVID-19 and future disasters” in the Western Balkans region. [...] Long-term care financingHowever, one of the most signifi- cant issues in the Region is separation of the as- sessment of the needs for health care and social Long-term care in the Western Balkans is typi- welfare services, resulting in the lack of coordi- cally financed through a combination of three nation between the systems of health care and sources: taxes, insurance, and citizens’ own social. [...] In practice, the availability The quality of long-term care in the West- of social welfare services in local communities is ern Balkans is ensured through the devel- largely dependent on funding from central budg- opment of standards and rigorous moni- ets, as demonstrated by past experiences in the re- toring of their implementation. [...] two-thirds of respondents over the age of 65 in According to the capacity volume in residen- Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia stated tial institutions for long-term care, the West- that they do not want to live in a long-term care ern Balkans region is ranked at the bottom of institution. [...] The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.