Social Work with the Elderly in the Local Environment as Exemplified by “Barwinek-Baranówek” District in Kielce

Abstract

In Poland, as in many other European countries, the progressing aging of the society can be observed. This issue gains prominence also in the Świętokrzyskie region, particularly in the city of Kielce. Currently 19.6 percent of the population of Kielce, or every fifth person in the city, is over sixty five years old. Due to the large scale of this phenomenon and its far-reaching consequences, helping the elderly is the fundamental idea of the state aid institution MOPR in Kielce. In the Barwinek-Baranówek district the most common forms of help for the elderly are: general care or specialist care, dinners, providing winter fuel, providing a place in daytime care facilities and also financial aid. A large role is played by informing and advising, intervention, therapy, helping to deal with conflict, mediation, psychological support, help with paper work, giving aid to families and guardians and many other actions. Social work for the elderly is also based upon taking action to activate seniors to improve their situation.