Social service for the elderly: what is happening and is development possible?

The authors analyze the current situation in the social service system in Russia. Trends in the main indicators for social services for the elderly are analyzed based on the statistical forms of Rosstat for 2012-2016. Situation in social service system in Russia is compared with the modern trends in the system of long-term care. The article identify that two divergent trends affect state social services. On the one hand, outpatient social care, long term care, social services market are developing. On the other hand, economic struggles of recent years have led to reduction of staff and areas of work, the workload increase and the lack of resources for breakthrough. The authors note that the creation of a comprehensive system of support for relatives caring for elderly, the strengthening of cooperation between medical and social service institutions, the development of federal methodological recommendations for social services need assessment would improve the accessibility and quality of social services and improve the life quality of older persons.