Perceptions of social services from the perspective of their users and providers in the selected region of the Czech Republic

Act No. 108/2006 Coll., on Social Services, brought a number of conceptual changes. The main aim of this paper is to compare the quality of social services in terms of user satisfaction in relation to the provider, and to find out whether these facilities are comparable in providing social services, whether they meet the needs of the target group of seniors and whether the seniors are satisfied with the service. A field survey was performed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The sample of respondents (n = 108) was composed of seniors using residential social services for the elderly provided by both public and private entities. The questioning was conducted through structured interviews, taking into account the specificities of the questioning of the elderly. The qualitative survey was carried out using a semi-standardized interview with statutory representatives of homes for the elderly, family members and representatives of the founders of public organizations. More than three quarters of respondents rated the social service provided to them very positively. In the field of technical security, it was the non-state facility which received the better evaluation. Furthermore, the investigation conducted with statutory representatives of the organizations has provided valuable information on the funding of social services. The current funding method does not allow longer-term planning of organizational development, investment, and personnel policy. Finally, recommendations for practice are mentioned.