June 26, 2024
News
Caritas Czech Republic has opened 2 supported housing centres in Moldova to provide people in vulnerable positions with the care they need. Supported housing provides a stable and structured environment where people can receive ongoing support tailored to their specific needs. The residents of these homes are people living with mental health problems, such as 32-year-old Gheorghe, who receives help to develop household, social, and communication skills so that he is prepared for independent living.
People with mental health problems can live independently thanks to deinstitutionalisation
Gheorghe is a person living with mental health problems. For 11 years, he lived in a residential home for people with disabilities. Within the Caritas Czech Republic’s initiative in Moldova, Gheorghe moved into the supported house in the Glodeni district 4 months ago. His mother Svetlana lives in the same house.
“I love manual work, like crafting church icons. Since I moved here, this became my hobby,“ says Gheorghe.
Gheorghe goes to church and in his spare time enjoys helping with the garden works around the housing, or taking care of plants and flowers. He also participates in house cleaning, food preparation, and other household activities.
The help that people living with mental health problems, such as Gheorge receive in supported housing facilitates their social inclusion and integration, as well as their path to a more dignified life. This can include access to mental health professionals, case managers, and peer support networks. The consistent presence of trained staff helps individuals manage their symptoms effectively and reduces the likelihood of crises or relapses. Through skills training and assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting, residents can develop the necessary skills to live more independently.
Embracing independence: transitioning lives through supported housing
Within the supported house, Gheorghe is also receiving psychological counselling, which helps him cope with the waves of anxiety and stress.
“We help Gheorghe with his daily activities. Besides this, he really likes to be part of interesting discussions, which contributes to his sense of inclusion. We help him in acquiring essential skills for independent living,” says a social worker from the supported house.
Gheorghe dreams of getting a new mobile phone, as he likes to browse the internet. At the same time, he wishes to get a job.
“I would like to become a construction worker and start a family,“ shares Gheorghe.
Supported housing is a practical example of how communities can work together to provide real opportunities and support for people in need. Deinstitutionalisation helps prevent the social isolation associated with institutional living. People with disabilities and people living with mental health problems, like Gheorghe, are more likely to connect with the community, develop social relationships, and actively participate in public life.
Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova
In 2023, we organised 22 meetings in Moldova attended by both young and elderly people to support intergenerational dialogue. The participants joined a variety of activities including storytelling, playing board games, sharing crafts, embroidery, knitting, sculpting, and digital literacy.
Caritas Czech Republic has also opened 11 home care centres in Moldova, thanks to financial support from the Czech Development Agency, and continues to support people in need. We introduced telemedicine services in 8 health centres in Moldova. As part of this development, 24 medical and social assistants and volunteers provide consultations and care services for elderly people or people needing permanent care.
