May 30, 2024
News
Moldova remains among the poorest countries in Europe. The health and social care sector face a shortage of staff who can provide care for the elderly people and others in need, like 55-year-old Svetlana. Caritas Czech Republic has opened 2 supported housing centres across the country to provide vulnerable people with the care they need.
Svetlana lives in the supported housing for four months now
Supported housing is a home for persons living with mental health problems who receive support for integration into the community, under the constant guidance family doctors and community social workers. Residents of these houses have the chance to be reintegrated into the community and lead a different life than in residential institutions.
Svetlana is a person living with mental health problems, who moved to the supported house from Glodeni district, Moldova, four months ago. She was born in Cajba village, has a daughter living in Italy and a son Gheorghi, who is also living with her in the centre.
We help people build independent living skills
In the supported housing, Svetlana also takes part in preparing and cooking of the food. The social worker helps her to develop independent living skills.
“I enjoy going to church, cleaning the house, working in the garden, and watching TV, I feel supported and cared for in every way.” says Svetlana.
“Svetlana is the most responsible person in the supported housing,“ says a social worker who helps Svetlana in the centre. “I am always there for her when she asks for help.”
Svetlana also enjoys walking in the park and around town, often shopping either with her social worker or on her own. Alongside her home activities, she stays in touch with her relatives in Cajba village, whom she visits independently.
Caritas Czech Republic launched 2 supported housing units in Glodeni and Soroca districts, Moldova
In 2023, Caritas Czech Republic opened two Supported Housing units in Glodeni and Soroca. We trained 6 recovered people with their own experience of mental health problems to become peer supporters and supported them to be employed in community mental health services.
This type of housing does not only provide shelter, but also opens doors to a more independent and respectful life for each person.
The supported housing development with help of the Czech Development Agency and Caritas Czech Republic supports the process of deinstitutionalisation and development of quality services for persons with disabilities in Moldova.
