ABSTRACT
Background: The “Home Care” program is an intervention aiming at the creation of a social support and solidarity network and the avoidance of exclusion and institutionalization for low income elderly who face health problems related to disability or intense loneliness and seclusion.
Introduction – Objective: The present study aims to assess the implementation of the program in Greece, in order to identify and address strategic issues which could define its future course.
Methodology: The assessment is carried out by PEST and SWOT analyses, which provide a systematic and comprehensive reflection of the internal and external operational environment of the program, aiming at developing its strategic planning and improving its functioning.
Results: The “Home Care” program in Greece is a successful social support program, valued very positively by the local communities.However,there are substantial problems,the most important of which concerns the uncertainty about the program’s future funding, and therefore its viability. Other problems relate to the program’s technological infrastructure, which is in many cases nonexistent, and to the inadequate training and further education for the program’s personnel.
Conclusions: The “Home Care” program may constitute an important pillar of primary health care in Greece, provided that the necessary steps for improving its functioning would be taken. For this purpose, it is necessary to ensure the program’s unhindered funding, along with upgrading its technological infrastructure and provide opportunities for continuous education and training of its personnel.
Key words: Home Care, PEST analysis, SWOT analysis