The association “DON”, in partnership with “Stop Mobbing” Trebinje and “Topeer” Doboj, has launched a campaign aimed at improving conditions for elderly and frail individuals in the Republic of Srpska by ensuring the effective implementation of the right to home-based assistance and care. Although this right is guaranteed by the Law on Social Protection of the Republic of Srpska, it is currently available only in a few local municipalities, leaving many citizens in difficult social and economic conditions without adequate support.

One of the key proposals of the campaign is the introduction of gerontocarers, who would replace traditional caregivers, modeled after similar practices in neighboring countries such as Serbia and Croatia. Gerontocarers are women and men over the age of 40 who are registered with the Employment Office. Engaging them would not only address the issue of unemployment but also ensure the provision of quality support for elderly persons.

The campaign calls for amendments to the Rulebook on the Exercise of the Right to Home-Based Assistance and Care, which would require local governments to provide an adequate number of gerontocarers in accordance with user needs. Additionally, funds that would otherwise be allocated for institutional care of the elderly would be redirected to finance the salaries of gerontocarers—improving the quality of life for beneficiaries who would remain in their own homes.

We have launched a petition seeking public support for changes to the Rulebook and for obligating local administrations to fund this service. Citizens of Novi Grad can sign the petition at the information stand near the old municipal building on May 14 and 15, 2025, or online via a link available on the Facebook page of the association DON.

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