Abstract
Introduction: Latest data illustrates that 19% of the current population in the Republic of North Macedonia are older than 60 years, whereas it is estimated to be 33% by the end of 2050. The aging population imposes a number of health, social and economic challenges, and due to the change in the structure of traditional families, the availability of adequate family care is decreasing.
The Emergency Button Service (EBS) allows users to live safely in their homes 24/7. The service provides an easy and effective way to get help in a timely manner, if needed, and only by pressing a button.
Aims, Objectives, Theory or Methods: The main reason for establishing the EBS is to provide a safer life for older people and people with disabilities in the comfort and dignity in their home. It provides an easy and effective way to get assistance from trained staff and volunteers during an emergency situation. Serving a minimum of 100 users in Skopje in the first year is our aim. As part of an integrated care model we will additionally introduce a non-emergency transport service. This allows the users to go to necessary medical appointments. The health, safety and well-being of the users is our top priority.
Highlights or Results or Key Findings: During a feasibility study , older people and stakeholders participated in a questionnaire, were they highlighted the need of the EBS and non-emergency transport as two of the most needed services in Skopje. For example, if the EBS was available and accessible, 85,7% of the older people would be interested in subscription.
The Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia is the first to introduce this innovative service on the market and the plans for the future are to offer a sustainable service on a national level as a market leader. For a start, the service is offered only in Skopje. We are introducing cross-financing mechanisms to serve clients with higher and lower purchasing power, because the need for emergency security affects everyone. To meet the needs of most clients, there are several different service packages available. A basic package includes only the EBS and the premium package includes home-help services and non-emergency transports. Besides professional staff, trained community volunteers receive an alert and instructions for help in case of an emergency through a mobile application.
Conclusions: A successful implementation of the EBS improves the quality of life of older people and people with disabilities by providing them safety, dignity and independence at home. These factors will have a positive psychosocial effect and will also improve the health and well-being of the people while giving input into the overall care system of the society.
Implications for applicability/transferability, sustainability, and limitations: A successful implementation of the EBS in Skopje gives the opportunity for countrywide upscaling. . Although the purchasing power of the population and the state is a limiting factor, long-term sustainability can be reached through a mixed funding model and by incorporating it in the social insurance system.