During the months of October–November 2025, the Center for Territorial Socio-Economic Administration (ASET) invested in strengthening the professional capacities of psychologists and social workers, with a focus on improving services for older persons. In this context, ASET organized two training programs accredited by the Agency for Quality Assurance in Health and Social Care (ASCK), developed in accordance with national standards and contemporary practices of social services for social operators.

These two training programs, implemented within the framework of the “eldEARLY” project and financially supported by IADSA, involved the participation of 350 professionals—psychologists and social workers from across Albania—thus creating a broad network of professionals prepared to deliver high-quality services for older persons. Of this total, 300 participants were trained in the provision of home care assistance services for the elderly, with particular emphasis on professional communication, needs assessment, development of individualized care plans, professional ethics, and compliance with approved standards for social care services.

Meanwhile, 50 psychologists and social workers were trained in the provision of remote (online) counseling, within the framework of the counseling helpline for older persons. This training aimed to equip professionals with the skills required to provide psychological and social support in a safe, ethical, and professional manner, while ensuring confidentiality, privacy, and respect for the specificities of remote communication with older persons.

These initiatives demonstrate ASET’s ongoing commitment to contributing to the improvement of the quality of social services, empowering professionals, and building a more accessible, sustainable, and needs-oriented service system for older persons. They promote an integrated approach between social services and psychosocial support, while strengthening interinstitutional cooperation at both local and national levels.