Jūrmala opens competence center for informal caregivers

The State Agency of Social Integration (SIVA) has opened a Competence Development Center in Jūrmala to support informal caregivers. Funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility under the supervision of the Ministry of Welfare, the center aims to provide practical knowledge, caregiving skills, and psychological support to those caring for relatives or friends.

In Latvia, over 200,000 people live with disabilities, and approximately 17.2% of the population aged 18 to 74 provides informal care. Research indicates that 39% of these caregivers frequently or constantly feel exhausted, while 28% lack the practical skills necessary to provide care safely and confidently.

The center features a five-module training program covering medical care, communication, daily living, ergonomics, and caregiver self-care. It includes a demonstration apartment equipped with real-life solutions such as ceiling lifts, functional beds, and adapted kitchens. Additionally, the facility offers a sensory room for anxiety reduction and cognitive stimulation, alongside modern equipment for physiotherapists and occupational therapists to assess physical abilities.