Modele opieki nad osobami niesamodzielnymi

Elderly care and support in their daily lives is one of the most significant challenges of an ageing population. The increasing demand for various types of support (both in the community and in institutions) should be considered in the context of existing socioeconomic- cultural-demographic characteristics. This article presents models of care for dependent elderly people and the analysis how various models fit the situation of dependency care in Poland. Five models describing the dependencies and coupling between informal help provided within the family network and community support networks and formal help are: hierarchical compensatory model, substitutional model, specificity model, supplementation model, complementarity model. The organization of care for the elderly in Poland introduced by the authority can be established that is consistent with the hierarchical compensatory model. This model is most effective, but in Poland is still not completely implemented, and the fragmentation makes that seniors do not receive optimal support.