Do adults have the opportunity to get a caregiver at home? How can they get one? Does the state cover part of the costs? We talk to Dr. Biljana Jovanoska, owner of the private practice "Halkmed", on this topic. We also talk to her about crowded outpatient clinics, medical care, but also about home visits and the service "Your Doctor at Home".

The doctor says that regardless of whether it is the flu or another virus, protection and preventive measures are essential.

– The hygiene and dietary regime is the most important, proper nutrition, regular ventilation of the premises, washing hands regularly, wearing masks. It is true that in the past two weeks, there has been an increase in the number of people who have symptoms that we associate with the flu virus, but there have also been colds, there have also been examinations that referred to home visits, to our service "your doctor at home" – says Jovanoska.

She explains that although there are many sick people, the number is not much different from last year. She says that the Home Cardula Elderly Care Association is a novelty, and the idea came about because of the frequent home visits she makes as a doctor.

– Due to the frequent home visits that have been made in the past 3-4 years while the “Your Doctor at Home” service was being developed, I came to the conclusion that the need for older people to be cared for more from a social aspect is increasing. With “Your Doctor at Home” they receive health care, but not social care. That is why we established “Home Cardula”, that is, a home caregiver service. It is a service that differs from “Your Doctor at Home” and I would be happy if one day both services were in one place, that is, that care could coexist as complementary care – says Jovanoska.

There are currently seven caregivers employed by Home Cardula, and for now the service is privately funded. The association will provide care in the home for the elderly, regardless of whether it will be private services or services that fall under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

– The process is as follows. The patient contacts his/her primary care physician, a KAC index is created, the primary care physician assesses whether that person has a problem performing daily activities, problems with movement. An assessment is made as to whether it is due to age or whether it is a chronic illness and that person needs additional care, which will take place at home – says Jovanoska.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs then estimates how many hours of care the person needs based on the doctor's findings, assigns a certain number of hours, and determines which provider, or association, will provide the service. This means that the person receives several hours of care during the day.

– The KAC index is the one that will determine the guidelines. The idea is that if someone wants to hire a caregiver for their parent, and does not want to be placed in a home, then they can contact "Home Cardula" and together with the service requester to agree on the person's needs. A maximum of 80 hours per month can be received – says Jovanoska.

She says that if necessary, she can arrange with several caregivers. Prices range from 300 to 600 denars per hour, depending on the person's condition and needs.