On Thursday, 19 February 2026, the fifth popular science event within the 14th Open Thursday cycle will be held as part of FUZ&JA, the science popularisation project of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek. The lecture, entitled Where to Go in Old Age? – Current Developments in Care for Older People, will be given by Suzana Tomašević, MA in Social Work, and Petar Šajfar, PhD, from the Faculty of Law Osijek.
The lecture will take place in Room 39 at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek (Lorenza Jägera 9), starting at 6:00 p.m., and is open to the public.
ABOUT THE LECTURE:
Historically, care for older people has predominantly been associated with the private sphere, that is, informal support systems. However, the emergence of the medical model of care was also seen as a panacea for social challenges, or as a way of making care for various vulnerable social groups, including older people, a collective responsibility. The medical model soon faced considerable criticism, however, including through the concept of the total institution, prompting a shift towards social and human rights-based models. Nevertheless, this change is a complex and lengthy process shaped not only by historical legacies but also by current trends. The development of the care system for older people in Croatia shows that thorough changes and an analysis of the existing system are needed. The lecture “Where to Go in Old Age? – Current Developments in Care for Older People” will address several current issues concerning the process of deinstitutionalisation, different forms of care for older people and, ultimately, the need for new approaches to developing support services for older people.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Petar Šajfar completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in Social Work at the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb (cum laude). He obtained his PhD from the Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana. He has worked in a residential care home for older people and a rehabilitation centre. He has volunteered with several organisations, primarily working with persons with disabilities. In his current position at the Faculty of Law Osijek, alongside his teaching and research activities, he performs other duties, including serving as the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities. He is an external associate of the Croatian Institute for Social Work and a member of the Expert Council of the Ombudsperson for Persons with Disabilities. His published scientific and professional papers and public presentations primarily focus on deinstitutionalisation, children with developmental difficulties and persons with disabilities. He continuously develops his professional expertise by attending national and international conferences, professional gatherings and training programmes.
Suzana Tomašević completed her studies in Social Work at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana. Her doctoral research focuses on the knowledge and competences required for social work with older people, under the supervision of Prof. Jana Mali, PhD. Her research interests include long-term care for older people, social work methods and the development of social work with older people. She is employed at the Faculty of Law Osijek, where, in addition to her teaching and research activities, she serves as the Coordinator for Fieldwork and Professional Practice in the university undergraduate and graduate study programmes in Social Work. She actively participates in national and international scientific and professional conferences.
