At the invitation of Professor Giuseppe Liotta of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, and with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Associate Professor Dr Ekaterina Markova from the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences represented Bulgaria at the international forum “Ageing and Demand for Care in Central and Eastern Europe: Determinants, Challenges, and Possible Responses over the Next Ten Years”, held in Rome on 22 June.
The event brought together leading researchers, representatives of international organisations, public institutions, and experts from Central and Eastern European countries to discuss the challenges posed by population ageing and the growing demand for long-term care. Participants included representatives of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the Council of Europe, UNFPA, as well as universities and research centres from more than ten European countries.
As part of the panel “Country Focus: Innovation in Local Health and Social Services”, Dr Markova presented her paper, “From Family Dependence to Supported Home Care: Emerging Transformations in Bulgaria’s Long-Term Care System”. The presentation examined the ongoing transformation of Bulgaria’s long-term care system for older people.
Dr Markova analysed the shift from a traditional model based predominantly on family caregiving towards new forms of home-based and community care. Her presentation highlighted evidence on the coverage of formal care services in Bulgaria, the continued central role of families as primary care providers, and the gradual emergence of a hybrid model combining informal family support with publicly funded social services.
Particular attention was given to the SONYA Horizon Europe project, which is developing and piloting innovative home care models, including services designed for remote and sparsely populated areas.
Dr Markova’s participation provided an important opportunity to present Bulgarian research and experience in ageing, social policy, and long-term care to an international audience, contributing to ongoing discussions on the future development of care systems across Europe.
