in-cyprus 10 January 2025 - by Marilena Panayi
The healthcare system is struggling to meet the needs of chronically ill and bedridden patients requiring home care, according to December reports from the Federation of Patient Associations of Cyprus (CyFPA/OSAK) Observatory.
The growing elderly population has highlighted significant gaps in care for patients who need assistance but not hospitalisation, with multiple cases illustrating systemic challenges in home healthcare delivery.
Recent complaints to the Observatory include a stroke patient in rehabilitation seeking information about benefits and equipment entitlements, and a dialysis patient requiring oxygen and transport assistance after discharge, with family told ambulance services would be at their own expense.
Other cases highlight the lack of specialised facilities for advanced dementia patients and insufficient mobility allowances for visually impaired elderly requiring frequent hospital visits. One case involved a dementia patient attending weekday volunteer programmes but lacking weekend care options.
The Federation has repeatedly called for legislation to address home care needs, as similar reports surface monthly, demonstrating a growing crisis in Cyprus’s ability to support its aging population requiring long-term care outside hospital settings.
The complaints underscore broader concerns about the sustainability of current healthcare provisions for the aging population, particularly regarding home care services, specialised facilities, and transport assistance for chronically ill patients.
