The programmes for seniors carried out by the Ministry respond to the needs of the elderly. On the one hand, seniors need the conditions to be more active, as well as care and support in their daily lives. That is why the multiannual programme “Senior+” aimed towards local government units is largely popular. The programme involves the development of the network of Senior+ day-care and club centres. 

Over 770 Senior+ facilities were established in Poland between 2015 and 2019. Due to the financial support, new homes and clubs were created in Poland, and the existing facilities have been receiving funds for they daily operations. In 2019 alone, over 280 spots for seniors were established. That is nearly three times more than during the first year after the introduction of Senior+.

The offer of the clubs includes sports, culinary as well as artistic workshops. The clubs for seniors also allow them to discover their hidden talents and passions.  The classes allow them to sing, perform in plays and their works are displayed on exhibitions. Participation in the classes allows them to remain active after the end of their professional careers. The measures implemented by the Ministry serve one additional purpose. The key aim is to ensure that the seniors do not feel excluded.  

Homes and Clubs Reactivated

The importance of other people has been further evidenced during the pandemic, when the Senior+ facilities have been suspended. - After the club was initiated again, the attendance of seniors has been tremendous. They all missed each other and the activity. Now they keep asking for trips - says Magdalena Zegarek, the manager of Senior+ club in Mostek. - I really miss culinary therapy and I cannot wait the changes in restrictions, as the senior ladies were really creative in the kitchen and mutual work would help to integrate the group really well.

The seniors from the Senior+ home admit that the facility is their home. They have been waiting for the possibility to return. – We feel really well, and we are happy that we have returned to systematic classes - says Ms Teresa, a 68-year-old senior. – We really missed rehabilitation in particular as well as contact with others - add Ms Halina, 68 and Mr Irek, 73.

The seniors who attend the daily Senior Plus House - St. Florian’s Facility – We all adhere to the sanitary regime, despite the fact that it is not an easy task in our day-to-day activities. From the very beginning, the seniors have been acting in a very responsible manner, not only towards each other but also towards others - says Marta Śpiewak, an occupational therapist. – The Seniors are happy to be able to spend time with friends. Despite maintaining contact on the telephone, they felt lonely and missed the companionship of others - adds the therapist.
 
The seniors confirm their words: - I am really happy to be able to spend time with people and regain a feeling of purpose in life. - In here, I can think about other things instead of focusing on the coronavirus - adds Ms Krysia.

Record Budgets

The facilities are being established due to the funding allocated to the local governments under the programme. Since 2018, the administration has been allocating a record annual amount of PLN 80 million for the programme, i.e. PLN 50 million more in relation to 2015 at the beginning of the programme. The network of Senior+ homes and clubs will be developed in subsequent years as well in order to allow a wider group of seniors to use the rich offer of the programme.