Czech Republic lacks facilities for the elderly

The Czech Republic is not sufficiently prepared for the aging of its population, Jitka Hoplickova, the head of a foundation that builds houses for the elderly, told journalists today. She pointed out that facilities for the elderly are lacking and the state has done little to remedy the situation. Many former facilities were lost due to restitution of property after 1989, and replacements were never found. Capacity was reduced by 6,000 beds in this manner but social workers say that 10,000 beds are now lacking and the need will grow as the population ages.