Integration of medical and social services for the elderly in Russia: Successes and barriers

Aging creates demand for the integration of health and social services, as it ensures more timely response and better satisfaction of patients' needs for treatment and care and helps to contain the growth of costs of the services. The research aims at assessing the current level of integration of health and social services for the elderly in Russia. List of possible integration mechanisms that may coordinate work provision of services to the elderly was elaborated. Analysis of the regulatory framework and interviews with leaders and workers of health and social care in three Russian regions (Oryol Oblast, Karelia and North Ossetia) was carried out to determine the existing and implementing forms of integration and to assess the level of integration and barriers to its increase. The current level of integration of social and medical services in Russia seems to be low. In recent years, there has been a transition from a strict division of responsibility of departments to an integrated system, but the parameters of the transition have not been sufficiently developed. Significant barriers to integration (administrative, legal, financial, and related to staffing) exist. The results of the study can be used in work of federal and regional authorities to improve health care, social services and long-term care for the elderly, and by commercial and non-profit social service organizations.