Long‐term care system as a factor in improving the socio‐economic situation of pensioners and disabled people in the Russian Federation

Abstract

The increase in the share of the retirement age population in Russian demographic structure aggravates the issues of ensuring a decent standard and quality of life for such citizens. Aspects of not only material support come to the fore (although this is not at a very high level relative to international standards), but also aspects of providing quality medical service, solicitude, assistance and, if necessary, long‐term care. Aim. To assess the impact of the development of a long‐term care system on the socio‐economic status of people of retirement age. Methods. Comparative analysis, statistical data analysis, content analysis, generalization and synthesis of data. Results. The proportion of people of retirement age is increasing, and their financial condition is worsening. To maintain a decent standard of living after reaching retirement age, many pensioners must continue working. At the same time, as people age, age‐associated diseases develop, the consequences of which are the need to provide such citizens with additional assistance, solicitude and even long‐term care. These services are provided to citizens within the framework of the current health care system and through social protection authorities, however, statistical data indicate a very low level of coverage of pensioners with such services and a high demand for them. The main burden of care falls on able‐bodied relatives and friends, which affects their employment. The implementation of a pilot project in certain regions of the country to introduce a long‐term care system has yielded positive results in the form of improvement in the physical and psycho‐emotional state of both recipients of such services and their relatives providing care. Thus, a conclusion was made about the importance of developing a long‐term care system as a permanent part of the social security of older citizens to improve the quality and standard of living, not only for them, but also for their families.

Keywords

• long‐term care
• social services
• pensioners
• disabled people
• rehabilitation
• gerontology