NOVEMBER 30 KICKS OFF THE VTH EDITION OF THE CONFERENCE LONG-TERM CARE IN POLAND - TODAY AND TOMORROW

As in previous years, the conference has been divided into thematic sessions, which will be introduced and summarized by recognized experts representing the academic community. Representatives of the five political groups sitting in the new parliament have also been invited to participate in the conference. The exception is the Confederation, which has never shown interest in issues of care for the chronically ill or dependent. Among the panelists invited to participate in the conference, there will also be representatives representing healthcare providers and professional and patient communities.

The opening panel of the event, titled: Long-term care: old problems, new challenges, will be moderated by Prof. Piotr Błędowski, director of the Institute of Social Economy, Economic and Social College of the Warsaw School of Economics. Dr. Rafal Bakalarczyk, member of the Expert Council of the Senior Hub. Institute for Senior Policy, will make an introduction to the discussion, the participants of which will consider what should be the role of local government in the organization and financing of long-term care.
In turn, Prof. Katarzyna Wieczorowska-Tobis, chairwoman of the General Board of the Polish Gerontological Society, will introduce us to a discussion on the geriatric patient in long-term care. A panel on specialized home care will be initiated by Dr. Lukasz Jurek of the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at the Wroclaw University of Economics. An introduction to the debate on the deinstitutionalization of long-term care will be made by Dr. Paweł Kubicki, Professor at the Warsaw School of Economics and Head of the Department of Social Policy at the Warsaw School of Economics. The discussion on innovation and investment in the area of long-term care will be opened by Dr. Zofia Szweda Lewandowska of the Institute of Social Economy at the Warsaw School of Economics.

New opening, old problems

Long-term care is becoming a challenge especially in the context of demographic changes. An aging population and declining fertility rates mean that the need for long-term care will continue to grow. At the same time, developments in technology, telecare and innovative health solutions are changing the face of long-term care. These are areas that the new government, including in particular the ministries of social policy and health, will have to deal with. There are many challenges related
to financing, accessibility and quality of services. In the area of long-term care, it is necessary not only to monitor emerging trends, but also to adapt to the specific needs of local communities.

- Over the two days, we have planned to organize eight interactive thematic debates with the participation of experts. I hope that the discussions will lead to solutions that benefit patients. There is still a lack of vision for deinstitutionalization, a lack of mechanisms to prevent critical situations, and a lack of follow-up to the demands of the communities of dependents, people with disabilities, the chronically ill and their relatives. Lack of real action aimed
at building a long-term care system that meets the real needs and challenges ahead. We want to discuss all this and work out effective, progressive solutions," noted Magdalena Osinska-Kurzywilk, president of the Coalition "To Help the Dependent.

The question of the future touches on a key point in the context of long-term care in Poland. It requires a review of existing policies, the identification of gaps and shortcomings, as well as coherent cooperation between different players. The idea of a unified system of care for dependents in Poland faces many difficulties. There are regional differences, both in terms of accessibility to services and standards of benefits. There is also a lack of a coherent voice starting with the ministries of social policy
and health and ending with communities representing the beneficiaries of the system. There is a need for a broad debate preceding the harmonization of regulations prepared in the spirit of the social contract, supported by coordination between public administration institutions.

Deinstitutionalization

A topic inextricably linked to long-term care is deinstitutionalization, i.e. the process of shifting care from traditional institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities to more individualized, social and community-based forms of support, namely home care or day care centers. Deinstitutionalization should promote the possibility of tailoring care to individual needs, which improves the quality of services provided.
However, it cannot mean the automatic elimination of inpatient care in favor of home or community-based care. It is more related to the need to expand the offerings while ensuring stable financing and the ability to choose the form of care or support.

- In home care, the situation is particularly difficult, as the system does not provide adequate support for families caring for dependents. The problem is even more complex, as there has clearly been a lack of coordination between social policy and the medical component since the early 1990s. This is becoming more and more noticeable as Poland has undergone profound demographic changes over the past 30 years, which our political class seems to have slept through," emphasizes Magdalena Osinska-Kurzywilk.

Coordinated care means the interaction of two key systems: social security and health. Collaboration between the government, local authorities, long-term care facilities, doctors, nurses, caregivers, social workers, therapists and NGOs is essential to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.

- Systemic issues are very important here. Directly affecting the functioning of people in the long-term care system is its organizational and financial model. Therefore, as the Coalition we take the position that ultimately it is desirable to merge the departments of government administration covering: social security and health into one entity, i.e. the Ministry of Health and Social Policy," says Tomasz Michalek, director of the Office of the Board of Directors of the Coalition "To help the dependent.

Will the eldest be left alone?

One of the most significant problems related to long-term care is geriatric care. The system in place in Poland, which deals with diseases of old age, does not provide seniors with proper and sufficient assistance.

- Long-term care in the context of the geriatric patient, is a topic that runs through many meetings and events. Demographic forecasts draw a catastrophic picture for health and social care systems. In 5, 10, and especially 20 years, the number of elderly people is expected to increase exponentially, placing the need to adapt to the growing demand for long-term care services. This calls for an overhaul of the current systems today, both
in terms of funding, accessibility and also the technologies used, reports Magdalena Osinska-Kurzywilk.

The role of telemedicine in geriatric patient care is becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of accessing health services, monitoring patients remotely and providing medical advice. This tool can significantly improve the quality of care, especially in situations where access to traditional forms of care is limited.

In long-term care, however, not only medical issues are important, but also psychological and mental issues related to the care recipient's lifestyle. This is where community-based care - a rapidly growing concept that aims to enable those in need of support to lead active lives in their natural environment - comes into play. It provides an alternative choice to traditional forms of institutional care, emphasizing individualization and integrated support.

- The implementation of community care should involve a broad spectrum of professionals, including nurses, therapists, social workers and volunteers. Cooperation between the health, social and educational sectors is key to providing comprehensive support, explains Magdalena Osinska-Kurzywilk.

Care understood in this way transcends the traditional understanding of assisted living, engaging in comprehensive assistance that includes both medical and social aspects. This enables support not only in daily activities, but also in maintaining mental and social health.

The goal of community care being developed in Poland should therefore be to enable those in need of care to function in society, so that they can continue to study, work, and be active members of their families. The key to success is to provide such people with conditions that reduce the number and length of hospitalizations and the frequency of medical visits to a minimum.

The full conference program is available at: www.opiekadlugoterminowa2023.pl.

You can register for the event HERE.

Source: press mat.