Social workers in Vitebsk have started delivering groceries to the elderly at home
In the context of combating the spread of coronavirus, additional protective measures against viral diseases are being implemented for the elderly and people with disabilities. Territorial centers for social services for the population have introduced separate phone numbers where people can call and leave a request for the delivery of necessary goods to their homes. The phone numbers are posted on the websites of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, committees for labor, employment and social protection, and territorial centers.
Tatyana Romashova, Director of the Territorial Center for Social Services of the Population of the Oktyabrsky District of Vitebsk, said that social workers continue to work with those under their care. The only difference is that now pensioners are immediately asked about their health and well-being. "A large number of elderly people and people with disabilities are not on social services. The most important thing is to inform these people. It is clear that not all elderly people use the internet, so we are distributing a special leaflet with a phone number ourselves, dropping it into mailboxes," noted Tatyana Romashova.
The center's specialists accept applications on weekdays and weekends. There have already been first applicants. For example, Vera Rudneva heard on television that such phone lines had been created and contacted the Territorial Center for Social Services through a social worker. She received the items she ordered.
"In the current conditions, the procedure has been changed. The employee is обязательно wearing a medical mask and gloves. We warn people that scammers may appear in such a situation. To protect the elderly, we provide the social worker's full name and patronymic, and the time of their visit. They will обязательно have an identity document with them," said the director of the Territorial Center for Social Services.
About 31,000 pensioners live in the Oktyabrsky district of Vitebsk. 570 people are under social care. Among them is Vitebsk resident Ilya Kislyak, who lives in a high-rise building. The grandfather has heard about coronavirus, washes his shoes and hands after walks, and has several masks at home. "Thank you to my social worker, she cleans up, brings groceries, and measures my blood pressure. She always asks how my health is," shared Ilya Silvestrovich.
Specialists also partially serve the villages of Ulanovichi and Tulovo, adjacent to the city. Many wards live in the private sector of Vitebsk. In such cases, not only the inside of the house needs to be cleaned, but also the yard needs to be swept. "Thank you to the state and social workers for such help. They don't leave me alone, they bring everything I ask for," added pensioner Tamara Pakhomenko.
Telephone lines in each territorial center operate daily, without days off, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No service agreements are drawn up, but the employee hands over receipts to the applicant along with the purchases. If necessary, an acceptance certificate is signed by the parties.
Also, those who wish can receive their pension and pay for utilities at home through a postman. To do this, you need to contact the servicing post office.