specific needs of children and elderly left behind as a ... - IOM Moldova

Policies and mechanisms existing on the protection of children and the elderly
tially addresses the issue of the elderly left behind by migrant family
members: “within this department we analyse all the documents and suggestions
from other relevant institutions dealing with these groups. We do
not have special documents for particular services designed to this category
of elderly” (III_EC_4).
Hence, we can assert that both state departments, as well as those
operating at the local level (medical and social assistance), that are
relevant to providing services to the elderly left behind, do not set
down services specially designed to cater for this category. In both
cases services are provided to the elderly left behind by children as a
consequence of migration alongside other elderly, pensioners and the
disabled.
• Forms of support, social services and institutions providing these services
The existing system of social services creates opportunities for social inclusion
of the elderly whose children are working abroad. Pointing out the
fact that there are no social services specifically designed for this category,
still they can benefit from social services provided to the elderly, disabled
people and pensioners. It is specific that “the individualized approach of
needs is used regardless of the category of the socially vulnerable group”
(III_EE_7). Thus, the types of social services the elderly can apply for are
classified in primary social services (community), specialized social services
and social services with a high degree of specialization. Explaining
the way of providing these services designed for the elderly, the experts of
the relevant ministry emphasize the “existence of a mechanism of providing
social services to these beneficiaries within this system but I stress that we
do not develop services specifically for this category of elderly left behind by
migrant family members” (III_EE_7).
The local public authorities of the first level (community and municipality
councils) identify social issues, administrate local funds for social assistance,
develop and financially support community social services as well
as establish the partnership with NGOs in order to expand social services.
At this level community social services are developed.
Primary social services represent the support for the elderly left behind
by migrant family members. Therefore, we can mention social home-care
service (provided by social workers), community social assistance service,
social canteen services and services provided by the community.
Social home-care services designed for the elderly are offered by social
workers: “it is more difficult to meet their demands in the private sector as
the distance is longer although it is easier as they know each other; we visit
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