Terms of Reference (ToR)

Study on Mobile Care Services with a Special Focus on Dementia

Caritas Kosova & Mother Teresa Society

1. Background

Home care and mobile support services play a crucial role in providing personalized, community-based care for individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and aging-related conditions. However, in Kosovo, these services remain underdeveloped, with limited accessibility and resources to support individuals in need of continuous care. The Home Care Program, including the C.A.R.E.S. project, implemented by Caritas Kosova (CK) and Mother Teresa Society (MTS), seeks to enhance the quality and reach of home care services, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support while remaining in their homes.

A particularly underserved group within home care services is individuals living with dementia, a condition that affects memory, cognition, and daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but other types—such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia—also contribute to the increasing need for specialized care. Despite the growing public health burden of dementia worldwide, Kosovo lacks comprehensive data on its prevalence, the impact on families and caregivers, and the adequacy of existing care services.

This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the availability, accessibility, and quality of home care services, with a special focus on dementia care. It will compare regional trends, identify challenges, and provide policy recommendations to strengthen support systems for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies to enhance home care services and improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their families.

2. Partner Organizations

2.1 Caritas Kosova (CK)

Since 2009, Caritas Kosova has been providing integrated health and social care services in Kosovo. Its Home Care Program, modeled on the German system of home care, delivers combined health and social services to elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and bedridden patients. These services are recognized by Kosovo’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. CK continues to advocate for improved healthcare services and legislative reforms.

2.2 Mother Teresa Society (MTS)

Mother Teresa Society employs a multi-dimensional approach to improving the well-being and quality of life of vulnerable individuals and communities by integrating health, social, psychosocial, and transportation services. Committed to social justice and human dignity, MTS ensures that no one is excluded from accessing equitable healthcare services while driving systemic change through advocacy and direct service provision.

3. Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of this study are:

• To assess the current situation and needs in mobile and home care services in Kosovo.
• “To assess the prevalence of health conditions—particularly dementia—among individuals requiring home care services, and to explore how these rates compare with trends observed in other countries
• To evaluate the reach and effectiveness of home care services in Kosovo, particularly for individuals with dementia.
• To compare data on home care and dementia services in Kosovo with other Balkan countries.
• To evaluate the impact of mobile care services in Kosovo, on the well-being of individuals with different health conditions, including those with dementia, and their families.
• To identify key gaps, challenges, and opportunities in home care service provision in Kosovo.
• To provide concrete recommendations for strengthening mobile care services, with a special focus on improving dementia-related home care in Kosovo.

4. Scope of Work
5. Assessment of Mobile and Home Care Services

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Engage key stakeholders, including NGOs, healthcare professionals, caregivers, patients, and policymakers.
• Analyze the availability, accessibility, and quality of mobile and home-based care services.

2. Prevalence Analysis and Comparative Data

• Estimate the prevalence of home care services across Kosovo.
• Estimate the prevalence of different health conditions of individuals in need of home care services, including dementia in Kosovo.
• Review regional practices in home-based care, with a special focus on dementia care.

3. Review of Existing Policies and Practices

• Evaluate the current legal and institutional framework governing mobile and home care services in Kosovo.
• Identify best practices in home-based care and dementia services from regional perspectives.B18 Dos. K. Q. Proc.dementia.study.2025.Cares.docx

4. Assessment of Training Needs

• Evaluate the capacity and training needs of mobile caregivers and healthcare professionals.
• Examine the role of the Chamber of Nurses of Kosovo in potential recognition of training programs.

5. Impact Assessment

• To measure the well-being of individuals receiving mobile care—especially dementia patients and their families—supported by Caritas Kosova and the Mother Teresa Society. 
• Assess the effectiveness of existing home care and support systems in Kosovo.

6. Policy Recommendations

• Develop actionable recommendations to enhance mobile and home care services in Kosovo.
• Suggest improvements for training programs and policy frameworks.

5. Methodology

The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, including:

• Desk Review: Analysis of existing literature, reports, and policy documents.
• Surveys & Questionnaires: Collection of quantitative data from healthcare institutions (primary, secondary, tertiary), the Kosovo Ministry of Health, healthcare workers, NGOs, caregivers, and beneficiaries.
• Key Informant Interviews: Discussions with policymakers, healthcare providers, and relevant organizations.
• Focus Group Discussions: Engagement with caregivers and patient families receiving mobile care from Caritas Kosova and the Mother Teresa Society to gather qualitative insights on well-being and care experiences.
• Comparative Data Analysis: Review and compare home care and dementia prevalence data from neighboring Balkan countries.
• Case Studies: Documentation of lived experiences of individuals receiving mobile care, with a special focus on dementia patients and their caregivers.

6. Expected Deliverables

1. Inception Report detailing the study methodology and work plan.
2. Data Collection Report summarizing findings from stakeholders.
3. Policy & Service Analysis Report identifying gaps and best practices.
4. Comparative Data Report with a regional analysis of home care and dementia prevalence.
5. Final Research Report with comprehensive findings, analysis, and recommendations.

7. Implementation Timeline
   The study is expected to be conducted over a six-month period:

• Month 1: Preparatory phase (desk review, methodology finalization, stakeholder engagement).
• Months 2-3: Data collection (surveys, interviews, focus groups).
• Month 4: Data analysis and synthesis, including prevalence estimates and comparative analysis.
• Month 5: Drafting of findings and policy recommendations.
• Month 6: Finalization of the study 

8. Budget and Resources

Approximate budget for the service is €6,000, allocated to support the effective implementation of the study. The budget should be structured to ensure cost-efficiency and sustainability, while maintaining high research quality and adherence to ethical standards. 

9. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure the rights and well-being of all participants, particularly individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Key ethical principles include:

• Confidentiality and Anonymity: Personal and medical data of participants will be securely stored and anonymized in all reports.
• Informed Consent: All participants, including homecare providers and family members of individuals in need, will receive clear information about the study and must provide informed consent before participation.
• Vulnerable Populations: Special care will be taken to ensure ethical participation for individuals with dementia, respecting their autonomy and obtaining consent from legal representatives when necessary.
• Compliance with Regulations: The study will fully comply with Kosovo’s data protection laws, ethical standards for healthcare research, and international dementia care guidelines.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Applicants submitting proposals for this study will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevant Experience: Demonstrated expertise in research, research on homecare services, elderly care, or dementia.
• Methodology: Clarity, feasibility, and scientific rigor of the proposed research design, with a strong focus on practical solutions for improving homecare services for individuals with dementia.
• Feasibility: Realistic implementation plan, including data collection strategies and stakeholder engagement.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Justification of budget allocations, ensuring efficient use of resources.

11. Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience (suggested addition):
    To ensure the successful implementation of the study, it is recommended to include a section outlining the required qualifications, skills, and relevant experience of the consultant(s) or research team. This may include:

• Academic background in health, psychology, social sciences, or related fields
• Proven experience in conducting similar research or evaluations
• Familiarity with home care, dementia care and community-based service provision
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
• Strong understanding of ethical standards in research
• Excellent communication and reporting skills

12. Submission Guidelines

Interested applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Technical Proposal – A detailed research plan outlining the study objectives, methodology, data collection tools, and expected outcomes.
2. Financial Proposal – A comprehensive budget, including all anticipated costs for research, logistics, and dissemination.
3. Relevant Experience and CVs – Documentation of past experience in elderly care, dementia research, or homecare services, along with the CVs of key research team members.

Note:

1. Applications that do not include all the required documents will be disqualified.
2. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
3. All research data, findings, and related materials shall remain the sole property of Caritas Kosova and the Mother Teresa Society. The implementing company/NGO/experts are strictly prohibited from publishing, disseminating, or using the data in any form, without exception.

 

12. Contact Information

For inquiries of tender dossier or submissions, contact Mother Teresa Society at [email protected] and [email protected]. In the subject line, please specify the TOR/application you are applying for.

Submission Deadline: Call for proposal shall be opened from 16- to 25 April, 2025.