Care Of The Old PeopleSUMMARY:

As time goes on, the social condition in Europe continues to change, the community is aging, number of divorce cases increasing, number of children per woman decreasing, age of pension increasing, number of women participating in the working sector increasing etc. Because of these and other reasons, there is going to be a very serious need for care services as there will be no young family members to take care of the old people at home.

With the increase in the population of the old people in Europe and the small monthly pension allowance, care for the old people and related subjects will be facing a very big economic difficulties in the near future. Europe entered the 21st century with 17% of its population above 65 years. Now it is estimated that this figure will rise to 20% by the year 2025.

In recent years, home-care services in Europe has gain a rapid spread because of the high cost of financing care houses. For example, in 1987 Denmark made legal changes to replace institutional care services with non-institutional home care services and the result was that, while in 1985 Denmark’s expenditure on care services was twice as much as that of the united states of America, in 1997 it had reduced to the same as that of America. On the other hand, in 1982 16% of those 75 years and above were leaving in care homes and domitories but in 1999 this had reduced to 9%.

The increase in population of the old age group in Italy and Greece is posing a very big problem for the family members of the old people because of the few number of care homes in these countries. As a form of solution, those who have the economic means seek the support and services of foreign immigrants. The general budget reserve for the care of old people and chronic patients in countries like England, USA, Denmark, Holland and Germany is approximately 1%.

Finance is normally from general taxation and social insurance companies. The role of private insurance companies varies from one country to the other but however its role still remains small in most of these countries. For example In Holland, 79% is from public source while 21% is from the private insurance.

In Sweden and the USA, more emphasis is placed on preventive medicine in the care of the aged. Before they become disabled and dependent i. e. in their 60-70s, more importance is given to their care and education. In the 1990s when Robert Bosch foundation in Germany proclaimed that ‘care needs elite people’more attention has been given to education, outtings for fresh air, travels, engaging therapies etc.

In short, old age is a big problem in Europe. Looking at the climate, geographic, hospitality, regional closeness and the touristic potencial of our country, we will be able to offer within a clear framework a nice and very economic care service and holiday resorts for the old people of Europe especially those between 65 and 75 years. Such a project will be very economic and prosperous for the old people of Europe and also a very big health tourism source of income to our country. At the same time such a project will also serve as a preparation towards the future problems of our old people