Czech health and social services have undergone significant changes related to the reform of public administration including the transfer of certain social and health services to the competence of municipalities and regions. Regions also became legally responsible for social services ́ planning process including their registration and since 2015 financing. The findings in the article are based on a qualitative methodological approach, which was used as a combination of public policy documents analyses and primary data analysis. The empirical research was based on focus groups when respondents represented persons caring for the elderly and disabled people as well as providers of health-social services in the Central Bohemian Region. Based on the survey we can state that some types of services are underdeveloped, particularly the domiciliary services, social services for older children and adults with disabilities, respite care and other support services for caregivers. The great problem is the absence of interconnection between health and social services in the region. From the viewpoint of service providers and caregivers the level of municipalities is perceived as closer to the clients than regional level, thus service providers and caregivers aim their demands to municipalities more frequently.

Univerzita Karlova Praha Fakulta sociálních věd Institut sociologických studií

Role of the region in the field of health and social services for seniors and people with disabilities