LTCcovid Country Profile – Printable Version
1.01. Population size and ageing context
In 2021 Slovakia had population of 5.45 million people, of whom 17.1% were aged 65 and over. While in 2011, the pre-productive age population (0-14 years) had a higher share compared with the older population (65+ years), in 2021 it is the opposite. In 2021, compared to 2011, there was a slight increase in the share of the population in the pre-productive age (0-14 years) from 15.3 % to 15.9 %, but at the same time we can observe a significant increase in the population in older ages, whose share was 12.7 % in 2011 and increased to 17.1 % in 2021. The share of the working age population (15-64 years) decreased from 72.0 % in 2011 to 67,0 % in 2021. (Source: Slovak statistical office, 2021).
Update for: Slovakia Last updated: February 10th, 2022 Contributors: Miroslav Cangar |
1.03. Long-term care financing arrangements and coverage
In 2016 public LTC expenditure represented 0.9% of Gross Domestic Product in Slovakia (European Commission, 2018).
References:
European Commission (2018), ‘The 2018 Ageing Report. Economic & Budgetary Projections for the 28 EU Member States (2016-2070)’. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union
Update for: Slovakia Last updated: February 4th, 2022
1.10. Workforce conditions: pay, employment conditions, qualification levels, shortages
The number of LTC workers per 100 people aged 65 and over is 1.5 worker, which constitutes less than half the EU-27 average. Care provided by family members is the main form of LTC in Slovakia. More than 90 % of the total LTC workforce in 2016 were women. The majority of LTC workers have a medium level, non-tertiary education. Non-standard employment is not very widespread e.g. the share of temporary employment is less than 10 %, whilst shift work is less than 40 %, far below the EU-27 average (European Commission, 2021).
References:
European Commission (2021) 2021 Long-Term Care Report Trends, challenges and opportunities in an ageing society. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union
Update for: Slovakia Last updated: February 4th, 2022
2.01. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country (total population)
As of December 3, 2021, there have been 1,207,728 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Slovakia, and 14,696 deaths, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, corresponding to 269.222 attributed deaths per 100,000 population.
Update for: Slovakia Last updated: December 6th, 2021 Contributors: Disha Patel |
4.04. Reforms to improve care coordination
An EU report notes that a proposal for a comprehensive reform is underway (2021), focusing on long-term and palliative care. The main aim is to strengthen the integration of social care and healthcare.
Update for: Slovakia Last updated: November 23rd, 2021
4.02. Reforms to the Long-term care financing system
An EU report (2021) noted that financial contribution from state to social service providers has been significantly increased in Slovakia, which is estimated to have increased the supply of long-term care services and has made these services more affordable.
Update for: Slovakia Last updated: September 7th, 2021
4.06. Reforms to improve support for unpaid carers
In 2019 Slovakia introduced a social benefit for long-term carers for a sick relative. This benefit will be implemented as of 2021; it allows people to care for relatives who leave hospital in bad health or in need of palliative care for a maximum of 90 days. Slovakia repeatedly increased the amount of the ‘attendance service benefit’, which in 2018 reached the level of the minimum wage (source: Publications catalogue – Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion – European Commission (europa.eu).
Update for: Slovakia Last updated: November 23rd, 2021