Big move forward in care of wellbeing of informal carers in Slovakia.
The Chamber of Caregivers of Slovakia, alongside its partners, advocates for the formal recognition of informal carers, highlighting the need to improve their health, social, and economic living conditions. After three years of dedicated work by the Chamber, and 15 years since this movement began, the majority of Slovakia’s MEPs have approved significant changes.
From December 2024, informal carers will be entitled to:
- Increased mobile care hours: Mobile care services will rise from 8 to 40 hours per month, with no reduction in care allowance. Carers may also request assistance from a professional carer.
- Respite care: Carers will receive 360 hours of daycare (equivalent to 30 days) per year for their dependents, particularly helpful for planned medical procedures or holidays to allow carers essential rest.
- Increased allowance for families of disabled children: Families with a disabled child will receive €200 per month, up from €100, on top of the standard care allowance, to help cover treatment and rehabilitation costs.
- Updated care allowance: The allowance is now set at €615, matching the national minimum net income.
Recent Actions by the Chamber of Caregivers of Slovakia
Over recent months, the Chamber has been active in various legislative processes:
- July: Provided feedback on the draft report on implementing measures from the 2023 National Programme for the Development of Living Conditions of Persons with Disabilities.
- August: Submitted comments on the Act on Health Care Provision.
- September: Reviewed amendments to social laws relating to respite care.
- October: Provided input on the draft of the new Act on Assessment Activities.
The Chamber is a member of the working group for social system reform, ensuring that carers’ interests are central in long-term care policies.
For the full press conference with the Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, and Family, see here (speech starts at 7:00).
