Small Houses to be Built in Armenia for Elderly Without Shelter

Small and comfortable houses will be constructed in Armenia for elderly individuals without shelter. A contract has been signed between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the "Avondglans" foundation, under which the foundation will provide 100,000 euros to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for the construction and furnishing of community small houses.

"The program will be implemented in three phases: first, work related to the purchase of the houses will be conducted, followed by design and renovation work. Finally, the acquired houses will be furnished," said Smbat Sayanyan, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.

According to him, these small houses for the elderly will be a new type of building that will significantly differ from the currently operating care facilities. No more than two elderly people will live in each house, and their rooms will be no less than 6 square meters. Currently, elderly care centers accommodate 2-7 individuals in one room, with each room covering an area of 5 square meters.

The draft law states that the residents of the small houses will independently carry out tasks such as cleaning, shopping, cooking, working in the garden, and other activities, of course, with their voluntary consent and the support of a social worker.

Furthermore, the residents of the small houses will be provided not only with shelter and necessary furniture but also with bedding, personal linen, clothing, footwear, at least three meals a day, as well as appropriate household and hygiene supplies, and job opportunities (at their discretion).

It should be noted that there are currently 12 institutions in the Republic of Armenia providing round-the-clock care services for elderly individuals and/or persons with disabilities (including those with mental health or intellectual issues), of which 7 are private. A total of 1,390 people (of which 180 are in non-state institutions) receive care services in all these institutions, while more than 3,800 individuals receive services in domestic settings. Approximately 2,000 elderly individuals attend daytime centers.