The Role of the NGO 50+ Hellas in the Support of Greek Carers’ Issues Dr. Liz Mestheneos Member of Administrative Council, 50+ Hellas     

What is 50+ Hellas? The first NGO of >50 year olds in Greece, working since 2006 Aims: to promote the interests and improve the quality of life of older people in Greece, including dependent OP and their family and professional caregivers, through 1) providing information 2) advocating for their equality in all relevant issues 3) networking with organisations with similar objectives Original link to the SEXTANT Research Group Strong collaboration with AGE- Platform Europe www.age-platform.org

Areas of Work of 50+ Hellas See www.50plus.gr Information - facilities, rights and services. Confronting age discrimination and social inclusion Promoting healthy ageing Ensuring social participation and positive use of time e.g travel, Employment and educational rights and opportunities. Technologies and accessibility

Care of frail older people in Greece Original Research 2002-2005 EUROFAMCARE research study -23 National Background Reports – 6 National Surveys (DE, EL, IT, PL, SE, UK) – total sample 60000 FCs with standardised questionnaire Work on promoting avoidance of Abuse of Older people via Charter of Rights and Responsibilities (2010) and current programme WeDo - well being and dignity - working with national relevant bodies. 1991 – 1st study on Family Care for European Foundation, Dublin (6 countries), qualitative study with interviews with 24 family carers of dependent older people in Lesbos island and Athens

Findings from Greek EFC 1014 FCs of dependent older people 81% women, mean age 51.7 years (18 - 95 years) 47.2% were still working (average 40 hours/week) 51 hours/week of care given to the dependent OP 17.1% spouse carers, 55.4% children and 13.9% daughters/sons -in-law, 4.4% g’children, 4.2% nephews/nieces Household income (3 persons) 1,093 euros/month Only 2% receive any kind of state financial support (to OP or FC) Greek FCs scored the highest levels of “poor” quality of life (10% cf. 6.5% Germany) and the lowest levels of “good” quality of life (50.2% cf. 66.6% UK).

What support do Greek FCs want? Information about services and support available Advice about the disease suffered by the OP Financial help (56%) – The care of an older person causes extra costs for Greek family carers Good quality services for their OP and, to a lesser extent, for themselves, that provide trustworthy, responsive, 24-hour care Respite care at home and in institutions The removal of bureaucratic and complicated procedures stopping family carers using services Opportunities for the older person to undertake activities they enjoy Help in better combining caregiving and paid employment Training in caring techniques

Main outcomes of EFC REACT (Research-Action to promote the findings of EFC in the support of carers) At EU level EUROCARERS NGO, work with AGE –European Older People’s Platform to promote EP special interest group on carers, lobbying in support of carers issues (Marie Cassiotou-Panagiotopoulos), admission of carers to social insurance systems

Main actions to implement EFC REACT (findings of EFC in the support of carers) At National level work with IKPA on translation and publication of Greek National Survey Report Conference on “the Caring Family” Training of carers – training seminars for health and social care professionals on sensitisation to carers’ issues, practical training courses for formal and informal carers using electronic methods with Pireaus Chamber of Commerce (www.ecvleonardo.com Elder abuse – translation of AGE pamphlet

50+: work on care of older people Website www.50plus.gr and eNewsletters Work with Alzheimer associations and other NGOs e.g. HAGG - Athens Alzheimer Association EU programmes: INTERLINKS FP7 with CMT Prooptiki, research on LTC in 14 European countries – WP5 Informal care in the health and LTC systems; EUSTACEA, combating abuse of older women; Charter WeDo - well being and dignity