Development of Home Health Care in Lithuania: Current Status and Key Development Issues

Abstract

Prior to independence in 1991, no formal home health care system existed in Lithuania. However, various services were provided in homes, including off-hours urgent care; social and health care services for the disabled and elderly through a voluntary organization; and the provision of medications and treatments by polyclinic nursing staffs. After independence, a number of additional home health care services were initiated, largely in response to the care needs of a large and growing elderly population. These evolving services are described as well as the factors facilitating and inhibiting the development of a national system of home health care for Lithuania.