Increased capacity and improved living conditions in the Home for the Elderly Berovo
The capacities of the Home for the Elderly "Dr. Ivan Vlaški" in Berovo have been increased, and the conditions for staying there have also improved thanks to the infrastructural support provided within the project "Sustainable and Inclusive Balanced Regional Development", which was implemented by the Ministry of Local Self-Government of North Macedonia with the support Government of Switzerland.
Minister Zlatko Perinski and Ambassador Veronik Ulman, together with the mayor of Berovo Zvonko Pekevski, as well as the mayors of Makedonska Kamenica, Vinica and Žrnovec, Dimco Atanasovski, Mile Petkov and Borča Kočev, visited the House, which officially marked the realization of the project worth 23 million denars.
The director of the facility, Živka Bojčovska Kalamadevska, explained that with the support of the project, the conditions were created for additional accommodation for 28 more elderly people, which now brings the total capacity to 67 people. the procurement of 14 tablets, kitchen equipment, refrigerators and laundry is in progress. A partnership arrangement around the building was also carried out.
"In addition to accommodation, care, medical care, every day we organize various activities for the users of the home on different topics, celebrate birthdays, holidays and take care of their mood. We will continue to strive to make life easier for our users and make them happy and satisfied. I can proudly say that this home is one big family where love, happiness and harmony reign", said director Bojčovska Kalamadevska, who thanked the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Government of Switzerland for the financial support for the implementation of the project.
The Mayor of Berovo Zvonko Pekevski also expressed great gratitude, who pointed out that the Home for the Elderly Berovo is the only institution of its kind in the region, and therefore the expansion of facilities is of great importance, as interest in care services is constantly growing.
"I am very glad to be here for the second time today in the House where, thanks to the partnership with the Ministry of Local Self-Government, mayors from the region and the Center for the Development of the Eastern Planning Region, we are all continuing the project whose first phase was implemented in 2020, when we provided conditions for accommodation for 10 people, and now, together with this phase, we have contributed to the opening of a total of 38 new places", said Ambassador Ullman, who hopes that the cooperation will continue in the future, with considering the need for this type of facilities in the region.
"This is another successfully implemented project by which we show our dedication and concern for all citizens, regardless of age. By investing in such projects, we invest not only in improving the infrastructure, but also in the quality of life of adults, who we enable to live their daily lives carefree and with dignity. With the support of the Government of Switzerland, we managed to create conditions for treatment, care and socialization according to all prescribed standards. With this investment, we have strengthened the institution's capacities, so that everyone feels safe, respected and, above all, an equal part of society. This is an indication that we care for all generations and that no one is forgotten. Caring for adults is vital for the development of a humane society. During today's visit to the Home, I saw that the users feel at home here, which is the biggest proof of the success of this project. I wish them a long and carefree life, filled with warmth, attention and respect", said Minister Perinski.
The director of the Center for the Development of the Eastern Region, Zujica Angelova, spoke about the justification of the project and its advantages, who pointed out that it will greatly contribute to the residents of the region, given that the percentage of the adult population is well above the national average.
"Facilities of this type that provide adequate conditions for the stay of adults, adequate care, medical care and social inclusion are welcome for Berovo and its surroundings. This project is an example of successful cooperation between the central and local authorities, which with the support of a foreign donor enabled the Home to get living conditions according to all standards," said CRIPR director Angelova.
The Ministry of Local Self-Government supported the project with 11 million denars, nine million denars were provided by the Government of Switzerland, and the municipality of Berovo participated with around three million denars..