Indicator 2(B): Is personal assistance available that can support people with mental disabilities to remain and live in the community?
Conclusion:
Limited personal assistance is provided to some people with mental disabilities in the form of home assistance and a ‘signalling’ system. It is unavailable to the majority.
Explanation:
The cost of personal assistance is not allocated as a cash payment to people with mental disabilities, meaning that beneficiaries have no control over the services provided. Personal assistance is only available to people who are in a socially “disadvantaged situation”,[39] and requires medical proof related to a medical condition, age or other ‘disadvantage’.[40] Home assistance is provided based on an assessment of the care needs of the applicant. This assessment is carried out by the director of the social care provider or an expert designated by a notary at the municipality level.[41] Home assistance provides basic care, support for independent living and protection from ‘emergencies’.[42] Such assistance can only be provided for a maximum of 4 hours a day.[43] Where a person’s care needs are higher, an assessment is conducted which is likely to result in placement in an institution. In 2012, 125,281 people used the service.[44]
‘Signalling home assistance’ is available for both people with intellectual disabilities and people with mental health problems who are living independently, but who find themselves in a ‘crisis’– a term which is not defined by the law.[45] This service is only available for those people who live alone or who live with someone else but who need the service because of his or her health conditions.[46] The person wears a small device on his or her wrist or neck which is connected to a dispatch centre which functions 24 hours a day. In case of emergency, the person can push a button on the device and call the dispatch centre from where a social worker is sent to their home to solve the problem immediately. If the social worker finds it necessary he or she can initiate the use of further medical or social care,[47] which can result in hospitalisation or institutionalisation.
[39] Section 56(1) of Act III of 1993 on Social Management and Social Benefits.
[40] Section 22(1)-(2) of Decree of the Ministry of Social and Family Affairs 9/1999. (XI. 24.) on the requisition of social services providing personal care.
[41] Section 63(1) and Section 63(4) of the Act III of 1993 on Social Management and Social Benefits.
[42] Section 63(2), ibid.
[43] Section 63(7) of Act III of 1993 on Social Management and Social Benefits.
[44] Hungarian Central Statistical Office, Szociális Alap- és Nappali Ellátás (Social basic and day care), available at http://statinfo.ksh.hu/Statinfo/haViewer.jsp (last accessed 11 September 2014).
[45] Section 65(1), ibid.
[46] Section 65(4), ibid.
[47] Section 65(2) c), ibid.