Abstract
Social servisec for old-age people developed differently after split of the Czechoslovakia in 1993. The most important changes in the system in both countries were enacted in the new millenium.
Both countries face problems in terms of financial, capacity and local availability of social services. The most fundamental changes concern the position of the elderly themselves (and their families) in the social services system.
There has been an overall improvement in the situation of the elderly and their families in the Czech Republic, mainly thanks to the strengthening of their autonomy and freedom in deciding on the care needed. In Slovakia, on the other hand, the situation of the elderly is worsening and the burden on their family is disproportionate.
The degree of autonomy and freedom of the elderly in deciding on the form and types of care is very low.