engleski

„IT FEELS GOOD WHEN YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE“: THE PROFESSIONALS´ VIEWS ON SYSTEM OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR OLDER PERSONS

Like many European countries, Croatia has recorded for more than two decades a continuous increase of older population, and many demographic projections point to the inevitable continuation of that process. Ageing population brings many changes at all levels (from micro/individual, through local/mezzo to macro/national level) reflecting the recent, but also indicating future challenges that ageing brings to the society. During recent years ageing is observed in terms of (integral) sustainability. Unlike ageist and apocalyptical interpretations this perspective insist on constructive approach that recent challenges sees as an opportunity for development (Harms, 2005 ; Zaidi, 2016). Among the most important challenges is certainly the necessity to organize an adequate, financially acceptable and quality care to older persons, which is also evident in the city of Split. Statistics show that the market of social services in Croatia is underdeveloped, and accommodation capacities of the (public) homes for older and infirm persons are insufficient, while the prices of accommodation and services of the private homes for older and infirm persons for most of seniors are too high (Žganec, Rusac & Laklija, 2008). Analysis of the situation in this area often do not take into account the experiences and suggestions of two key protagonists – older persons and the professionals working in the care and welfare. The paper is based on an analysis of the empirical material collected by the method of semi-structured interviews with employees of two public homes for the older and infirm persons in Split. The focus of the analysis is the interpretation of daily experiences and working routines of the employees (in most cases it comes to social workers), advantages and challenges of work that affect the work and professional performance, which clearly indicate problems within the care system and give suggestions for its improvement.

ageing ; sustainability ; homes for older and infirm persons ; professionals in homes for older and infirm persons ; system of care for older persons

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