JemsImproving the accessibility of community based social services in the program area of Vukovar Srijem County and Macva District (SocCare)
Priority Axis 3: Cooperating for healthier and more inclusive programme area
Operation start date: 1 October 2024
Operation completion date: 31 March 2027
Budget: EUR 1.759.424,63
Number of partners: 4
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The main aim of the project is to enhance access to new community-based services offering comprehensive care for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease within the rural border regions of Vukovar-Srijem County (VSC) and Mačva District (MD). This project seeks to facilitate the deinstitutionalization process and deter the institutionalization of new users stemming from insufficient community-based support where these users reside. Main Project Outcomes are:
– Establishment and implementation of new community services in the program areas, including counseling and support centers in Ilok and Šapac, day centers in Ilok, Bačka Palanka and Šabac, and maintenance services in Vladimirci
– Improved skills in social care for 60 professionals and 20 volunteers, contributing to improved delivery of care services in the community and increased engagement of volunteers within cross-border local communities
– Joint public awareness campaign to promote deinstitutionalisation.
Beneficiaries:
Home for elderly and infirm persons Ilok (HR) as Lead Partner will be active in infrastructural investments in the construction, equipping and establishment of a new space for the “Counseling and support center”, the establishment and service of a day center for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who need support for life in the community. Also, through the joint work of partners, a digital application for volunteers and other service providers will be established in order to further improve services in the local community.The digital platform will connect service providers and volunteers, with the aim of developing an active volunteer community and contributing to the development of volunteering, as well as involving the wider community in providing services. Home for elderly and infirm persons Ilok will participate in activities to strengthen the capacity of professionals who work with members of target groups to organize and provide non-institutional social services and implement the deinstitutionalization process, as well as public campaign activities to raise public awareness of the importance of the deinstitutionalization process and the right of vulnerable groups to live in the community.
Caritas Šabac (RS) as Project Partner will through infrastructural investments, adaptation and equipping of premises in Šabac, Jelanča and Vladimirci establish a counseling and support center, a day center service and assisted living service in order to enable the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in rural border areas who need support to live in the community. Community life refers to the ability to make decisions and manage your life to the greatest extent possible. The services represent an alternative to institutional care and are aimed at realizing a person’s rights as an equal citizen in society. Caritas Šabac will also participate in activities to strengthen the capacity of experts/persons who work with members of target groups to organize and provide non-institutional social services and volunteers, as well as public campaign activities to raise public awareness of the importance of the deinstitutionalization process and the right of vulnerable groups to live in the community.
Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency (HR) as Project Partner will offer full support, providing any information and expertise required for the project. Moreover, Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency will provide administrative support to project partners in various aspects of project implementation, including preparing project reports, collecting evidentiary materials, and monitoring timely activity implementation. Also, Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency will actively participate during the entire implementation in the organization and promotion of activities and participate in a public campaign to promote deinstitutionalization as well as to raise awareness among the public and individuals about the right to live in the community.
Gerontological center Bačka Palanka (RS) as Project Partner will be actively involved in the SocCare project to enhance services and improve the quality of life for older people in the local community. Key activities include equipping existing spaces, hiring professional staff, and establishing a new day center. These efforts will modernize the Center’s operations and provide significant benefits to its users. As part of the project, the Center will upgrade its facilities, acquiring new equipment and furniture to create a comfortable and functional environment. The new day center will serve older individuals who live at home but require daily support and companionship. Services will include a daily activity program, healthy meals, regular health monitoring, and emotional support for 45 users. To ensure high-quality services, the Center will hire additional professional staff, including a general practitioner, social worker, occupational therapist, caregiver, cleaner, and driver. This team will provide comprehensive care and support, enhancing users’ independence and quality of life. The acquisition of a vehicle will also ensure safe and timely transportation for users, further improving their mobility and access to services.