Participation in Social Life through the Provision of Information and Support for Older People (RL AGATHE)

The funding program “Participation in Social Life through the Provision of Information and Support for Older People (RL AGATHE)” aims to strengthen the social participation of older people in Thuringia. The initiative focuses on expanding counseling, information, and referral services to enable a self-determined and healthy retirement in a familiar environment. Public institutions as well as non-profit organizations are eligible actors to receive grants for projects that improve social cohesion and individual support during the post-employment phase. The Free State of Thuringia and the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family jointly contribute to the promotion of this important social endeavor.

The funding covers both personnel expenses and material and administrative costs, with up to 90 percent of eligible costs covered in the first two years and up to 80 percent from the third year onward. Requirements include participation in the concept selection process as well as the employment of personnel with social and health education degrees or corresponding qualifications in health, nursing, or elderly care professions. The program focuses on selected social areas in Thuringia, including districts such as Altenburger Land, Ilm-Kreis, Kyffhäuserkreis, and others, as well as independent cities like Erfurt, Gera, and Jena. This regional focus ensures that existing services are precisely tailored to the needs of the affected older population.

Through the integrative approach of the grant program, an important contribution is made to promoting social participation. It supports projects that enhance exchange between different professional fields as well as collaboration among actors from the health, social, and care sectors. The implementation of these initiatives enables the establishment of a sustainable network and improves the structural framework conditions for self-determined aging. Thus, the funding program contributes not only to enhancing the quality of life of older people but also to continuously strengthening the regional social and health infrastructure.