RCIS

Servicii alternative la institutionalizare pentru persoanele de varsta a treia

Autori

Erika Keller

Editura

Lumen, 2006

Cod CED: 1584-5397-14(10)
Dimensiuni pp. 164-214

Abstract:

The traditional perspective of the Romanian society upon aged persons is that of an unanimous respect at community level. Elder's care level and quality are important indicators of wellness and health of each nation. We may say that, as any society has the politicians it deserves, as well a nation has the level of protection of the 3rd age given by its social, economic and moral development. In Romania, as elsewhere in the world, we are seeking alternative solutions to institutionalization not only for children, but also equally for elders. The removal of the aged person out of the family is an unnatural solution and it must be the last possible choice. If the aged person is living alone, whatever the reason should be (celibate, divorce, death of life partner, or discharged by the family. If the aged person is living alone, whatever the reason should be (celibate, divorce, death of life partner, or discharged by the family) it is advisable to avoid institutionalization, because maintaining an aged person in a social relationship environment, even though it is a very small circle, gives a sense to the existence of that person, maintains her/him in a normal life relationship. The 3rd age persons have the right of self-determination, the right to freely choose their place to live. The decision of institutionalization is the most painful that should be taken, as the institution is in most cases the "final station" of their life journey. Based on my professional experience I can estimate that the most solicited social services for aged-care are those of Home Care, which I consider to be the most effective. There are certainly other services of proven high value, as Day Centers or Advisory Services. The Home Care Services allow the aged persons with partial or almost total loss of self-service capabilities to have a quite independent life in their own home. The main goal of these services is that of prevent, delay or even replace the "active" care in hospital or long-term care in specialised institutions. 

Comentarii:

Considerand batranetea din perspectiva traditionala romaneasca, constatam ca ea se bucura de o recunoastere practic unanima la nivelul comunitatii. Ingrijirea varstnicului, dar mai ales calitatea acestei ingrijiri, sunt indicatori importanti ai nivelului de bunastare si de sanatate a fiecarei tari. Se poate aprecia deci ca, asa cum fiecare societate isi are politicienii pe care ii merita, tot asa, fiecare tara isi are sistemul de protectie sociala a varstei a III-a, pe care il da nivelul ei de dezvoltare socioeconomica si morala. In Romania, la fel ca in intreaga lume, se pune problema cautarii si aplicarii de solutii alternative la institutionalizarea atat a copiilor, cat mai ales a batranilor. Scoaterea batranului din familie este o solutie nefireasca si aceasta trebuie sa constituie ultima solutie la care sa se faca apel. In situatia in care batranii traiesc singuri, fie din lipsa unei familii proprii (celibatari, divort, deces), fie din cauza izgonirii din familie, se incearca evitarea institutionalizarii, pentru ca mentinerea varstnicului in relatiile sale sociale, oricat de restranse ar fi ele, da un sens existentei sale, il mentine in mediul lui obisnuit de viata. Persoanele varstnice au dreptul la autodeterminare, ele au dreptul de a-si alege liber locul de viata. Decizia institutionalizarii este decizia cea mai dureroasa care se poate lua tinand cont de faptul ca in cele mai multe cazuri caminul de batrani reprezinta "statia finala" a calatoriei in viata. Din punctul meu de vedere, (afirm aceasta in urma experientei de munca), cele mai solicitate servicii sociale de ingrijire a varstnicilor sunt serviciile de ingrijire la domiciliu, pe care le consider si cele mai eficiente. Exista si alte servicii de incontestabila utilitate, cum sunt centrele de zi pentru persoane varstnice, sau cele de consiliere a varstnicului si a familiei acestuia. Serviciile de ingrijire la domiciliu sunt serviciile care permit persoanelor cu incapacitate totala sau partiala de autodeservire sa duca o viata relativ independenta in propriul lor camin. Aceste servicii au scopul de a preveni, a intarzia si inlocui ingrijirile "active" (in mediul spitalicesc) sau ingrijiri de lunga durata (in institutii de ocrotire).