As the pandemic impedes the daily routine, everyone is looking for ways to quickly adjust to the ‘new normal’. Amidst all the uncertainties surrounding the novel coronavirus, the only thing that was certain – is that the elderly are the most vulnerable and they might be disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The new measures introduced by the government to control the spread, such as restriction of movement, were bound to put additional burden on them. The lockdown not only prevented them from doing the daily chores, but also constrained many families from helping their senior members due to the travel ban between the cities. To help them cope, UNDP joined hands with government counterparts to help reshape the social services. Building on our long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in building a network of day care centres for the elderly across the country, we readjusted its functioning so it can meet the current needs of the elderly.

When the 11 day care centres for the elderly had shut down, we acted swiftly to bring the necessary care to their doorstep. As of April, caregivers regularly employed in the centres are now doing field visits – delivering hot meals and necessary supplies directly to the homes of their beneficiaries.

Every day, caregivers pay visits to some 100 senior citizens in 7 municipalities. They ensure they are well taken care of, not only in terms of nutrition, but also by delivering necessary supplies and medicines. Distribution of food is organized in line with all medical requirements, so the caregivers are trained to properly use and dispose of the personal protective equipment. All meals are adequately packed and delivered in a way to meet food safety requirements. The procedure is aligned with the Red Cross instructions, which is the licenced provider of Home Assistance for the Elderly, the service that keeps running during the pandemic.

The day care centres were established within the project “Continuation of the Social Welfare System Reform” implemented in partnership between UNDP and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. The network keeps growing and the project supports 11 centres in total, including: 3 in Niksic, 2 in Danilovgrad and one in each of the following municipalities: Mojkovac, Plav, Bijelo Polje, Rožaje, Royal Capital Cetinje and Petnjica. Also, the opening of the centre in Pljevlja that has been planned in March 2020, has been postponed due to temporary measures. During this year reconstruction of facilities and opening of two more centres is planned. The average number of beneficiaries per centre is 15.

This project significantly contributes to the socialization of the elderly population by providing the following services: psychosocial support; socializing to overcome loneliness and social isolation; organizing sports and cultural events; organizing excursions and tours of cultural and historical monuments, organizing social games (chess, dominoes, darts, handicrafts); access to library and the daily press; one free meal and daily serving; providing small medical services as well as counselling and educational workshops.

Strategy for the Development of the Social Protection System for the Elderly for the period 2018-2022 as its general goal defines promotion of social protection for the elderly, with integrated services and support to preserve and improve their quality of life. Through the further development of user-oriented social services, especially services Day Care Centre for the Elderly and Home Assistance for the Elderly, the elderly population remains as long as possible within their primary family/home environment, delaying their placement in institutions and thus significantly contributing to the overall objective of the Strategy.

Once things go back to normal, we will revive the functioning of day care centres in order to ensure we provide the best care for the elderly members of the society. Flexibility in current situation was much needed, so that we prevent them from feeling lonely, neglected and excluded. Our caregivers report from the ground that their help is much appreciated and indispensable under the circumstances.