In what ways is Europe tackling long-term care issues?
In what ways is Europe tackling long-term care issues?
Better access to long-term care and improved working conditions for carers are the goals of the European Care Strategy.
The need for long-term care workers to support the elderly and those who need help with daily tasks is increasing as a result of Europe’s aging population. The sector employs about six million people at the moment, but projections indicate that by 2050, the bloc will need an additional 1.6 million care workers.
A community-based pilot project has been established in Banska Stiavnica, in eastern Slovakia, with the goal of assisting senior citizens in maintaining their independence and safety in their homes for as long as possible.
Demand for long-term caregivers is rising.
According to data released by the European Commission in 2019, public spending on professional long-term care in Europe was a pitiful 1.7% of GDP. According to data released by the European Commission, the burden of caring for one’s elders frequently falls on the family due to financial constraints.
Does the EU meet people’s long-term care needs?
In the EU, women are more likely than men to require care as they age. Less than half of people, though, get adequate care.
Nearly 90% of people 75 and older would need assistance, but less than 42% actually get it.
In what ways does the EU promote long-term care?
On the ground, Pavel Červienka oversees the project. To determine their needs, he conducts a consultation with the local government and senior citizens.
He stated, “We have developed the concept of linking municipalities into microregions.” “In this manner, we can raise more money, pay enough carers, and perhaps inspire more people to pursue careers in social work.”
In order to improve the working conditions of carers and allow the elderly to age with dignity, the European Union adopted the European Care Strategy in response to a staffing shortage and mounting financial strain on the public sector.
Ivailo Kalfin, Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), was asked by Euronews to outline the main obstacles that Europe’s long-term social care system faces.
It is challenging to summarize them because there are so many. However, gaining access to long-term care services may be the biggest obstacle. Simply put, a large number of people lack adequate access to long-term care.
