1. Challenges and initiatives in Hungary and Eastern Europe for Informal carers Zsuzsa Széman EUROCARERS CONFERENCE Dublin 5.6 May 2011

2. Problems in Hungary Poor health (HALE 62 y. m, 68 f; 2006 WHO) Insufficient formal eldercare-Demand is much higher than supply Most crucial problem: long term care; care with serious health problems typical in old age Main burden on families - traditional role; law as well Lack of: information, physical, emotional, legal help, help in kind, technology, therapeutic aids, knowledge, how to care. – many Eastern European countries have similar problems

3. Help to informal helpers, carers: Hungary, Society of Forgetful People: support group for family carers of persons with Alzheimer’s: mutual support – Problem: addresses only one complaint, not complex New solution Help for helpers, carers living with sick and/or old people – Elaboration by the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service, starting in August Internet-based complex program: website with eu domain – International part – Program adapted to Hungarian problems

4. Structure of the programme Training general, international Alzheimer Dementia Restricted mobility Incontinence other Special mainly elderly Specialised part for Hungary Legal aid. Services map Online help Forums Complex material

5. Regions, languages involved Languages countries Slovene SLO Slovak SK PolishPL HungarianHU CzechCZ German-language regions Italian

6. Programmes in Hungary Detailed description of the programme (online) Service map What services are available in each settlement and how to access them Online help: with experts, mental aid, consultation information on adapting the environment of the elderly Forums Mutual help, transfer of experience, care-related events etc. Dietary supplements, diet, pharmaceuticals, therapeutical aids for hire Legal aid (information: entitlement to service, etc.)

7. Conditions of innovation Mapping new problems, challenges Experience in innovations Information on national and international research projects Involvement of experts Flexibility Own methodological staff Technical staff Financial source Contact with organisations (Maltese or other)

8. Outcome for policy-makers – Reliable means – Quick elaboration of the solution (January-July 2011) – Transferability: same solution for other Central Eastern European countries + some of the old MS – Adaption Quick, by the same franchise organisations (Maltese) ) – Conclusion: Central Eastern Europe is catching up rapidly