November 4, 2024
News
There are many lonely elderly people in Moldova. Young people leave the country to work abroad and often do not return. 75-year-old Nina has been taking care of her ill husband Pavel for a long time. Nurse Vera from the local home care centre opened by Caritas Czech Republic helps Nina with the care.
Both spouses use the services of the centre
84-year-old Pavel has had three strokes in the last 20 years, which have left him unable to speak and unable to walk. He is cared for by his wife Nina, who is helped by nurse Vera. She works at the local St. Rebeca home care centre, which was opened by Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova. "We have no relatives to turn to," says Nina.
Vera comes to their apartment several times a week. She administers medication for Pavel and gives him injections. "When Pavel is not well, Nina calls us at the centre. We take his blood pressure and do other tests to see if we should take him to the hospital," Vera explains. But Nina, who struggles with arthritis, also uses the home care centre's services. Vera provides her with massage therapy that make her feel better.
Making ends meet is difficult for many elderly people in Moldova
It is very difficult for Moldovan elderly people to make ends meet. This is also the case for Nina and Pavel. "Our whole pension is spent in medicine and health care for my husband. I sold my house a few years ago and we moved to a smaller apartment so that I could pay for my husband's treatment," says Nina, describing their financial situation. The home care centre's services, which are free of charge, are thus a relief for many elderly people.
The centres not only provide health care but also offer social services to clients. "We provide care to people both at the centre and in their homes. We have a shower room and also a laundry room that our clients use," says Vera. Nina and Paul also use the laundry room. "Our washing machine broke and we cannot afford a new one. We are very grateful that the staff from the centre helps us so much," concludes Nina.
How Caritas Czech Republic help the elderly people in Moldova
Caritas Czech Republic has opened 11 home care centres in Moldova. In addition to social support, these centres also provide health services. For many seniors, a check-up with a doctor is physically and financially demanding. That is why we provide telemedicine services that allow people to connect with doctors remotely.
The local health and social services system is plagued by an outflow of workers abroad. At the same time, there are more and more seniors who need this help. Thanks to our initiative, a home care profession has been created in Moldova to relieve the overburdened system.
We provide home care centres and telemedicine services to Moldovan seniors thanks to financial support from the Czech Development Agency.
