This study was developed as part of a three-year initiative in the Western Balkans region
entitled “Strengthening the resilience of older people and people with disabilities during COVID-19 and future disasters”. The project is coordinated by the Serbian Red Cross and supported by the European Union, the Austrian Development Agency and the Austrian Red Cross.
Launched in late 2020, the project connects civil society partners from Serbia, Albania, Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Kosovo*, as well as large civil society networks representing older people and people with disabilities at the EU level. (1)
Wtihin this project as one of the project partners, SeConS – development initiative group is in
chargefor the research component and formulation of recommendations with the purpose
of strengthening the resilience of older persons and persons with disabilities (PWD) in the
Western Balkans during Covid-19 and future disasters and development a study of the situation in this area.
The aim of this study is to provide insight into the facts that will enable the formulation of
recommendations and measures for public policies that would be aimed at how to increase
the capacities of service providers and civil society organisations (CSOs), but also to increase
financial contributions to ensure better access to long-term care services for older persons
and people with disabilities under normal circumstances, and especially in case of emergencies. In addition, this study provides a comparative overview of the condition of long-term
care in the Western Balkans and shows similarities and differences, thus enabling mutual
learning and finding solutions.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
(1) The consortium consists of: Red Cross of Serbia, Austrian Red Cross, Albanian Red Cross, Albanian Association of Geriatricians and Gerontologists, Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Assictance and Development Association HAJDE, Red Cross of Montenegro, Association of the Blind Montenegro, Red Cross of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Association Humanost, Caritas Kosova, Serbian National Organisation of Persons with Disabilities, SeConS Development Initiative Group, AGE Platform Europe and European Disability Forum.
