Roza Mihajloska finds joy and companionship in her caregiver, Cvetanka Risteska, who provides essential care while fostering independence in daily life. This in-home service, once rare and expensive in North Macedonia, was predominantly a family responsibility, often handled by women. This limited their workforce participation, impacting their economic and social potential and leaving the elderly or disabled without adequate care.
To address these challenges, North Macedonia launched the Social Services Improvement Project (SSIP) in 2018, with the support of the World Bank. SSIP aims to enhance access and elevate the standards of social services, focusing on noninstitutional services like home-based care for the elderly. This initiative has empowered over 1,600 beneficiaries in 43 municipalities to live more independently.
Roza appreciates the comprehensive care provided by her caregiver, stating, “It means so much to me that Cveta comes to my house—it brings life into every day. She cares for me in countless ways: preparing meals, organizing my medications, and even picking up groceries when needed. We’ve been together for a year and four months, sharing a love that fills our lives with warmth and joy.”
SSIP's model combines public resources and private expertise, enabling personalized care that allows seniors and disabled individuals to remain in familiar environments. The project's success is poised to expand its benefits to thousands more.
The initiative also created employment opportunities in the care sector, particularly for women and minorities. SSIP has provided jobs for 773 caregivers and 26 coordinators, including professional nurse Verica Petkoska. She says, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in a field I love and for which I trained. The satisfaction is mutual—not only do I find purpose in providing care, but our elderly beneficiaries truly appreciate the service. I am here to meet their needs and support those who depend on us."
With European Union funding and a social mentoring scheme, SSIP trained 120 Roma women as care providers, opening new employment avenues for North Macedonia's disadvantaged communities. This investment in the care economy represents a move towards a more inclusive and prosperous society.