Deinstitutionalization of long term social care system in Lithuania in the context of EU data

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Senyvi (pagyvenę) žmonės; Ilgalaikė socialinė globa; Išlaidos; Aprėptis; Deinstitucionalizacija; Elderly; Long term social care; Expenditure; Coverage; Deinstitutionalization.

ENIn light of the rapid population ageing, long term social care policies have undergone significant reforms in most European countries. The importance of developing efficient long term social care strategies are proved by statistical data on elderly population and care needs. In EU 65+ individuals composed 18.9% of total population in 2015. The Lithuania is close to EU average – 19.0% of population was 65+ in defined year and statistical data shows an increasing need for long term social care in this age group in the country. The aim of the article is to analyse long term social care situation and deinstitutionalization in Lithuania in the context of EU data. The article is based on statistical, secondary data, legal documents and scientific literature analysis and encompasses comparative perspective, providing examples from Latvia and Slovakia. Deinstitutionalization process in Lithuania has had a positive effect on increasing the number of persons who received home help and social services at home and decreasing the number of recipients of social care benefits. However, deinstitutionalization process is complicated and faces challenges related with expenditure, coverage, service quality. EU level analysis declares that the country has little social insurance against long term care risks, low public spending on formal care, and high use of informal care. Comparing with other countries, Lithuania has higher expenditure than Latvia and Slovakia, but lower coverage rate then Slovakia. Nevertheless, all three countries fall in the same tier and follow the same care model defined by Timonen (2005). [From the publication]