Challenges and initiatives in Hungary and Eastern Europe for Informal carers

Zsuzsa Széman

EUROCARERS CONFERENCEDublin 5.6 May 2011

Problems in Hungary

Poor health (HALE 62 y. m, 68 f; 2006 WHO) Insufficient formal eldercare-Demand is much higher

than supply Most crucial problem: long term care; care with

serious health problems typical in old age Main burden on families - traditional role; law as well Lack of: information, physical, emotional, legal help,

help in kind, technology, therapeutic aids, knowledge, how to care.– many Eastern European countries have similar

problems

Help to informal helpers, carers: Hungary

, Society of Forgetful People: support group for family

carers of persons with Alzheimer’s: mutual support– Problem: addresses only one complaint, not complex

New solution Help for helpers, carers living with sick and/or old

people– Elaboration by the Hungarian Maltese Charity

Service, starting in August Internet-based complex program: website with eu

domain– International part– Program adapted to Hungarian problems

Structure of the programme

Training general, international

Alzheimer

Dementia

Restricted mobility

Incontinenceother

Specialmainly elderly

Specialised part for Hungary

Legal aid .

Services map

Online help

Forums

Complex material

Regions, languages involved

Languages countries

Slovene SLOSlovak SKPolish PLHungarian HUCzech CZ

German-language regionsItalian

Programmes in HungaryDetailed description of the programme

(online)

Service mapWhat services are available in each settlement

and how to access them

Online help: with experts, mental aid, consultation

information on adapting the environment of the elderly

ForumsMutual help, transfer of experience, care-related events

etc.

Dietary supplements, diet, pharmaceuticals, therapeutical aids for hire

Legal aid (information: entitlement to service, etc.)

Conditions of innovation

Mapping new problems, challenges Experience in innovations Information on national and international research

projects Involvement of experts Flexibility Own methodological staff Technical staff Financial source Contact with organisations (Maltese or other)

Outcome for policy-makers

– Reliable means – Quick elaboration of the solution (January-July

2011)– Transferability: same solution for other Central

Eastern European countries + some of the old MS– Adaption

Quick, by the same franchise organisations (Maltese))

– Conclusion: Central Eastern Europe is catching up rapidly