The first independent living facility for the elderly in the Vitebsk region will open in April

March 22, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The first independent living house for disabled people and lonely elderly people in the Vitebsk region is being created in the Orsha district. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by Natalia Lipinskaya, director of the territorial center for social services for the population of the Orsha district. Residents of such a house will be able to manage their pensions themselves, keep house, and freely engage in other activities. The peculiarity of the facility is that, despite all their independence, pensioners will be under the constant care of social workers and medical staff from the nearby department for round-the-clock stay of lonely elderly people in the village of Torchilovo. If they wish, they can use the services of this institution: attend clubs for free, participate in all cultural and entertainment events, use the bathhouse, and also have meals (on a paid basis). Currently, renovation work is being completed in the independent living house for disabled people and lonely elderly people. It is planned that the first residents will appear here in April. The opening of such a social facility allows solving a dual task: to provide observation and assistance to people in need and to relieve the increased burden on social workers, who sometimes have to travel a dozen kilometers to reach their wards. The interlocutor is confident that this form of work will become more widespread. "Lonely elderly people will also appreciate such a house, because they will actually receive help and care without being deprived of their independence. In addition, as a bonus, they will get a small family and communication," added Natalia Lipinskaya. -0-