Husband of Severely Ill Woman from Bjelovar: She Needs 24-Hour Care
The HZZO appellate commission rejected the request for rehabilitation in Lipik, and the family faces financial pressure due to expensive aids and massages.
The HZZO appellate commission rejected the request for rehabilitation in Lipik, and the family faces financial pressure due to expensive aids and massages.
The Puača couple from Bjelovar is facing serious issues within the social and healthcare system. Mrs. Puača, who suffers from progressive paralysis, requires 24-hour care and assistance, but according to the decision of the appellate commission of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), her request for spa treatment has been denied. Her husband, who cares for her daily, shared their ordeal with Super Portal Bjelovar.
Mrs. Puača had previously been in the Lipik spa, where, according to her husband, the staff was exceptional. Now, however, they have received a rejection, and the doctor told them there is no legal basis for the spa treatment. "The first time they approved the spa, she went to Lipik where the staff was outstanding. I don't know what to say now; we filed an appeal, only for the appellate court in Zagreb to reject it after four months of waiting," Mr. Puača recounted.
He is further troubled by the fact that no one called his wife to the commission to assess her disability. "She is first category, fourth class, receiving an inclusion allowance of 432 euros, but she should be receiving 730 euros. They didn't establish that she can't walk because they didn't call her to the commission," he stated, emphasizing that his wife has 41 years of work experience behind her.
The family is also facing financial challenges. Mrs. Puača requires frequent massages, costing 25 euros per hour. Their big wish is to get an assistant at least twice a week for two to three hours, but for now, they are not entitled to an assistant. "We're waiting for her turn, but there's never room for her to exercise. We asked the City of Bjelovar for one-time assistance and received 400 euros six months ago, and now 200 euros. That's incomprehensible," Mr. Puača says.
He is particularly concerned that his wife cannot do anything without his help. "When I go to town, she can't even use the toilet. Now, through the Association of Persons with Disabilities, she got a regular wheelchair. A lady from Zagreb is offering us an electric wheelchair that raises 20 centimeters, so she can independently use the toilet and drink water, but that wheelchair costs 800 euros. My pension is 640 euros, she went on disability and has 740 euros, so I don't know how we'll manage unless someone helps us," he emphasized.
The Association of Persons with Disabilities came to their aid, securing accommodation for Mrs. Puača by the sea at Borik in Zadar. "There, they have two guys who help disabled people into the sea and back; it's great, no hassle, and within 300 meters we had everything, excellent food, and it wasn't expensive," Mr. Puača revealed. They hope that Mrs. Puača can return to Lipik for two to three weeks, but for now, that is uncertain.
Despite everything, Mr. Puača is not giving up. "I'm fighting; I have to fight because if we stay silent, nothing will happen. If we complain, we're a thorn in everyone's side. I don't know where all this is leading," he concluded.
