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Vol.15, No.2, May 2026. ISSN: 2217-8309 eISSN: 2217-8333
TEM Journal
TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT, INFORMATICS Association for Information Communication Technology Education and Science |
The Provision of Crisis Intervention for Seniors in Social Service Facilities: Systemic Challenges and Psychological Perspectives
Janka Bursová, Soňa Šrobárová, Michal Minárik, Dárius Pierzak
© 2026 Janka Bursová, published by UIKTEN. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License. (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Citation Information: TEM Journal. Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 1978-1987, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM152-85, May 2026.
Received: 02 July 2025.
Abstract:
This study investigates the provision of crisis intervention for older adults residing in social service facilities (DSS) in Slovakia, combining perspectives from professional practice and the subjective experiences of clients. The quantitative component, conducted in 50 facilities, revealed informal forms of support primarily conversations and basic emotional assistance from staff predominate. Professionally guided interventions were available in only 20% of the facilities. The most frequently reported barriers included limited staffing capacities, a lack of specialized training, and the absence of methodological frameworks. Staff preparedness to address psychological crises was low, and statistical analysis showed no significant regional differences across Slovakia. The qualitative component, based on semi-structured interviews with 22 seniors, provided deeper insight into their lived experiences, highlighting feelings of loneliness, identity loss, and the lack of confidential spaces for conversation. Psychological support was perceived as largely inaccessible. Respondents often relied on spiritual resources and interpersonal relationships with other residents for emotional support. The findings of the mixed-method analysis underscore the lack of systematized mental health care in DSS and highlight the need for the implementation of standardized crisis intervention protocols, professional training for staff, and regular psychosocial support for clients in institutional settings. From a broader perspective, the study underscores the urgent need for policy-level reforms, including the implementation of standardized intervention protocols, targeted professional training for social service staff, and the integration of regular psychosocial support into long-term care. Addressing these gaps is essential not only for improving individual well-being and dignity in later life, but also for strengthening the resilience and ethical quality of institutional care systems in aging societies.
Keywords – Crisis intervention, older adults, social service facilities, mental health, psychosocial support. |
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