Criticism from Estonia's National Audit Office: Additional Funding Is Essential
The National Audit Office's latest audit report has revealed that the special care services organized by the Estonian government are not accessible, a concern that has been long-standing for both the government and the Riigikogu.
Over the past 20 years, significant changes have been made in the sector, including the creation of new services and the establishment of 2,200 modern special care service spots. Additionally, nearly 1,700 of these modern service spots have replaced large, worn-out buildings, enabling people to live longer in their own homes and communities.
However, despite the stable share of the budget for special care in the government sector's operating expenditure, the increasing number of people in need of assistance has not ensured accessibility. Maarjo Mändmaa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, acknowledged this issue, stating that there are shortcomings in special care services and that the situation is difficult for those in need and their loved ones.
The report also notes that only nine percent of the Ministry's annual funding requests for the sector have been approved in the last six years. This underfunding, according to Mändmaa, is due to the growing number of people in need of special care.
To address these issues, the Ministry is planning to shorten the deadlines for accepting or declining a service spot to help people receive help and the service spot they need more quickly. Additionally, increasing funding and closer cooperation with municipalities and service providers are seen as necessary steps to improve the availability of special care services.
The amendments to the Social Welfare Act this year have also provided people in need with access to day- and week-care services, offering up to 23 days per month of relief and necessary support for their relatives.
Rauno Vinni, the audit manager of the National Audit Office, confirmed the report's findings, stating that the answer to the question of whether the special care services organized by the state are accessible is "no". Unfortunately, it often happens that a person may take a couple of months to decide and later give up the spot, while hundreds of people remain waiting in line, according to Mändmaa.
The Ministry of Social Affairs is actively addressing criticism about the availability of care for people with mental health disorders. It is hoped that these steps will lead to improvements in the sector and ensure that those in need can access the care they require.
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