Last year, around 15% of the population in the Czech Republic, approximately 1.3 million people, experienced difficulties with independent living due to health limitations.
Among them, nearly a quarter lacked the necessary funds for compensatory devices or assistive services, despite receiving benefits. Experts suggest that long-term care insurance, such as the new comprehensive insurance for the loss of independence, could help alleviate the financial burden.
Disability is not limited to the elderly, as it can affect individuals at a relatively young age. Data from the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) shows that nearly one million people had some form of mobility disability last year. Additionally, 581,000 people had internal organ diseases, 213,000 faced vision problems, and 167,000 struggled with hearing issues.
The most difficult daily tasks for those affected include moving around, performing household chores, and shopping. Approximately 827,000 people required regular assistance from others, but for 98,000 of them, this help was either insufficient or unavailable, despite their needs.
A significant barrier to accessing necessary help is financial hardship. Around 23% of people with disabilities, or approximately 300,000 individuals, reported a shortage of funds to cover their needs.
To address these challenges, insurance for the loss of independence is a proposed solution that could provide financial assistance and reduce the financial strain on those affected by health limitations.
