Slovak Families Caring for Disabled Children Face Extreme Physical and Mental Health Strain, Survey Shows

Families caring for disabled children in Slovakia are experiencing severe physical and mental health deterioration due to inadequate support systems, according to new data collected by the Platform for Families advocacy group. The overwhelming majority of parents caring for disadvantaged children lack sufficient respite care, with many reporting significant health problems from the constant demands of caregiving. Monika Fričová, director of the Platform for Families, described the experience as "living in an endless maternity leave," highlighting the extreme difficulty of long-term care responsibilities. The findings reveal critical gaps in Slovakia's support system for families with disabled children, leaving parents to function at the breaking point without adequate institutional assistance or relief services.