Introduction of the Hospice day care center services in Latvia is a significant social innovation that offers an integrated, interdisciplinary, and humane approach to palliative care, filling a crucial gap between inpatient and home care services. The solution combines social, medical, psychological and spiritual care in one place, creating a supportive environment not only for the client but also for their family. This is particularly essential in a situation where, as highlighted in the State Audit Office of the Republic of Latvia in 2024 Revision Report, Latvia lacks a structured and comprehensive palliative care system.
Innovative elements and approaches:
1. A holistic set of services – social, psycho-emotional, spiritual, and medical care is provided in one place during the day, ensuring coordinated and effective assistance for the client.
2. Involvement of volunteers in the care process based on Austrian experience, thus integrating of community involvement and solidarity. Following their training, volunteers are involved in daily activities, providing emotional support, and creating a social environment.
3. Support for relatives – the opportunity to bring the client to the center between 8:00 and 17:00 will provide family members with the opportunity to rest, go to work, or receive consultations and education on caregiving matters.
4. Reduction of social isolation – the center's location close to a public environment and parks allows clients to integrate into the community by spending time outside their home and participating in social activities.
5. Mobility support – provision of transport for bedridden clients to and from the Hospice care center.
6. Specially tailored hygiene care, including the opportunity for full-body bathing as well as foot, hair, and nail care for bedridden clients.
7. Conscious community building by creating an inclusive environment for like-minded people – both for the clients and their relatives though elaborated training and courses programmes.
Innovative elements and approaches:
1. A holistic set of services – social, psycho-emotional, spiritual, and medical care is provided in one place during the day, ensuring coordinated and effective assistance for the client.
2. Involvement of volunteers in the care process based on Austrian experience, thus integrating of community involvement and solidarity. Following their training, volunteers are involved in daily activities, providing emotional support, and creating a social environment.
3. Support for relatives – the opportunity to bring the client to the center between 8:00 and 17:00 will provide family members with the opportunity to rest, go to work, or receive consultations and education on caregiving matters.
4. Reduction of social isolation – the center's location close to a public environment and parks allows clients to integrate into the community by spending time outside their home and participating in social activities.
5. Mobility support – provision of transport for bedridden clients to and from the Hospice care center.
6. Specially tailored hygiene care, including the opportunity for full-body bathing as well as foot, hair, and nail care for bedridden clients.
7. Conscious community building by creating an inclusive environment for like-minded people – both for the clients and their relatives though elaborated training and courses programmes.
Case study details
- Lead organisation and partners
- Countries
- Latvia
- Themes
- Integration of marginalised communitiesSocial integration of those at riskModernisation of social protection systems
- Target groups
- Individuals with disabilitiesIndividuals experiencing poverty or social exclusionIndividuals whose mental health or wellbeing is compromised
- Level of action
- National
- Source of funding
- Public - EU
- Budget
- 195843,05 EUR
- Project start
- 2025
- Internet and social
- EU fund
- ESF/ESF+
