Assessment of the needs of individuals enrolled in a support program for the elderly

Introduction: The aging of our population is the scourge of modern times. Health care systems worldwide are faced with an increased demand for health services from elderly persons, and this underlines the need for new types of care such as home care. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to present a Support Program for senior citizens as it is implemented to date by the social services of the health insurance fund of a large Organization in the Athens area. The goals of our study were: to explore socio-economic needs, health problems of the elderly, support provided on an individual and on a family basis as well as health counseling. Sample and method: Collection of data began in early June 2004 at the Service Archives, these consisting of 109 files. The total number of beneficiaries/pensioners belonging to the insurance scheme of the specific bank in question is equal to 3,104 in the region of Attica, averaging 72.1-1.16 years of age. We observed 109 persons who have been included in the "Senior Citizens' Support Program". The period of data collection lasted two months. Results and discussion: Data analysis showed that the largest segment of the population under observation was 80-89 years of age, i.e. a great deal higher than the average age of pensioners in Greece As to their health, the elderly persons we observed are primarily faced with orthopedic problems, at 62%, restricting their mobility and thus their access to their insurance provider for the provision of services. As a whole, beneficiaries displayed many diverse needs. What the elderly persons we observed needed most was household help, at a percentage of 62%. It is imperative that communities introduce support programs for the elderly. These should be individualized and provide basic assistance to senior citizens in carrying out their daily activities