The organization “DON,” together with its partners “Stop Mobbing” and “Topeer,” has launched a campaign within the PRAGG project aimed at ensuring better conditions for elderly and infirm individuals in Republika Srpska through the realization of their right to “Assistance and Care at Home.”

Although this right is guaranteed by the Law on Social Protection of Republika Srpska, it is currently available in only a few local municipalities, leaving many citizens in difficult social and economic conditions without adequate support.

The campaign is partly based on the results of an online survey conducted among 304 citizens from 35 municipalities and cities, with more than 70% stating that home-based assistance is a better option than placing elderly individuals in care homes. This model allows them to preserve their privacy, stay in touch with their families, and continue living in their familiar environments.

Data obtained from the RS Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO) and other sources clearly indicate a serious need for this type of social support. For example, the number of pensioners (19,114) receiving the lowest pension, along with the 34,719 recipients of disability pensions, shows that a large number of citizens are struggling to make ends meet. The campaign “Help at Home, Not Just on Paper” aims to create conditions for providing care in the homes of these individuals rather than placing them in institutional settings.

One of the campaign’s key proposals is the introduction of gerontocaregivers, who would replace traditional caregivers. This model is inspired by neighboring countries such as Serbia and Croatia. Gerontocaregivers are women and men over the age of 40 registered with the Employment Bureau, and their engagement addresses both the issue of unemployment and the need for quality support for elderly individuals.

The campaign calls for amendments to the Rulebook on Exercising the Right to Assistance and Care at Home, which would require local governments to provide a sufficient number of gerontocaregivers based on user needs. Additionally, funds that would otherwise be allocated to institutional care would be redirected to finance gerontocaregivers’ salaries—improving the quality of life for users who would be able to remain in their homes.

In the coming days, a petition will be launched to gather public support for amending the Rulebook and obligating local authorities to fund this service. The petition will be available online via social media, as well as in person at info stands and in the offices of “DON,” “Stop Mobbing,” and “Topeer.”

We invite all citizens to join the campaign and sign the petition so that we can ensure dignified aging for this vulnerable group of citizens—because they deserve it.