Indicator 2(B): Is personal assistance available that can support people with mental disabilities to remain and live in the community?
Conclusion:
Yes, personal assistance, day care services and support for independent living are provided for people with mental disabilities with the aim of supporting independent living in the community.
Explanation:
Personal assistance is a community-based service provided to people assessed as having reduced self-sufficiency due to their age, a chronic illness or disability. The service is provided without time limits in the community, and is provided for a fee. In 2012 there were 220 providers offering personal assistance.[33] To access support, the Social Services Act provides that people with disabilities can enter contracts for the provision of personal assistance, community care services or other forms of support.[34] There are a lack of personal assistance services in the Czech Republic, particularly in rural areas.[35]
Day care services are provided on an outpatient basis to people with reduced self-sufficiency and to families with children.[36] The service is provided for a limited period of time, in contrast to personal assistance. Day care primarily provides assistance in personal issues (personal hygiene and catering). In 2012 there were 770 providers of day care services.[37] ‘Support for independent living’ (see Glossary) provides community-based services for people with reduced self-sufficiency, including people with mental health issues.[38] This mainly involves assistance in maintaining the household and social relations. In 2012 there were 41 providers of support for independent living.[39]
[33] Centre for Transformation, 2013 Analysis of institutional social care in the Czech Republic.
[34] Articles 90-91 of the Social Services Act.
[35] The Government admitted that social services are more available in urban agglomerations in its report submitted to the CRPD Committee. Initial reports of State parties due in 2011, Czech Republic, CRPD/C/CZE/1, 1 November 2011, 37, available at http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRPD%2fC%2fCZE%2f1&Lang=en (last accessed: 23 September 2014).
[36] Article 40 of the Social Services Act.
[37] Centre for Transformation, 2013 Analysis of institutional social care in the Czech Republic.
[38] Article 43 of the Social Services Act.
[39] Centre for Transformation, 2013 Analysis of institutional social care in the Czech Republic.