There is a saying: “One society is measured by the way it treats its most vulnerable population”. In Tirana, this sentiment resonates profoundly as the European Union has partnered with Tirana Municipality and the Ryder Albania Association to ensure a life of dignity for the elderly living in Albania’s largest municipality through a dedicated project, “Providing Home Care Services for the Elderly in Tirana.” The project kicked off in April 2023.  In the first phase it will target 220 elderly people who need personalised home support, and later expand to assist over 800 elderly persons. These elders were referred through various channels, including administrative units, social centres, non-public organizations, public health institutions, and citizen referrals.

Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Albania, present at the project presentation, emphasized the importance of the project, stating: “Providing opportunities and care to all citizens, even the most vulnerable, is one of the key values of the European Union.  For this reason, the EU is very proud to finance this ambitious project that covers the essential topic of long-term care for the elderly.” The project takes a multidisciplinary approach and collaborates with various stakeholders, including local actors, civil society organisations, and relevant ministries. This approach sets a precedent for improved elder care and sets a model of multidisciplinary home care service for elderly citizens across Albania.

The 300,000 EUR grant for this project is part of the EU for Social Inclusion programme, which is an EU funded, 5-year, 70 million EUR initiative to support the Albanian Government to expand social protection, education, and employment services to groups at risk of poverty and social exclusion, including at risk youth, men and women, people with disabilities and minorities.  The programme plans to support 19 municipalities around Albania.