In recent years, Poland has received significant European Union funding intended to modernize the social support system and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and those in need of care. These resources were meant to support the transition from institutional care to modern, community-based solutions that promote independence and inclusion. However, more and more voices are raising concerns that a large portion of these funds is not reaching the people who need them most.
Instead of strengthening personal independence and everyday support, billions are being spent on renovating and modernizing existing institutions. This raises an important question: are these investments truly transforming the system, or are they simply preserving an outdated model in a more modern and visually appealing form?
European funds were expected to accelerate the process of deinstitutionalization, shifting the focus from large care facilities to individualized support provided in people’s homes and local communities. In practice, however, a significant part of the funding continues to be directed toward upgrading buildings, expanding facilities, and maintaining the institutional model.
New equipment, refurbished rooms, and modern infrastructure may improve physical conditions, but they do not change the core nature of institutional care. People remain separated from everyday community life, often with limited control over their schedules, routines, and personal choices.
True reform should focus on empowering individuals to live independently. Investing in walls instead of support services risks strengthening the very system that should gradually be replaced.
Personal assistance is one of the most important elements of a modern support system. It enables people to live independently, work, study, and participate in social life. In many European countries, it is a key pillar of social policy.
In Poland, personal assistance often exists mainly within temporary programs and short-term initiatives. Funding is limited in duration and uncertain, which means that people who rely on assistance cannot plan their lives with confidence. Once a project ends, the support frequently disappears as well.
Even where assistance is available, the number of supported hours is often insufficient. Access varies between regions, and bureaucratic barriers make it difficult for many to benefit from these services. As a result, personal assistance exists in theory but does not fully meet the real needs of those who depend on it.
When institutional support is limited or unavailable, families become the primary caregivers. They carry the main responsibility for daily care, often at the cost of their own careers, financial stability, and personal well-being.
Family caregivers perform demanding and emotionally challenging work every day. Yet financial assistance and systemic support are often minimal. Many are forced to reduce working hours or leave their jobs entirely in order to care for loved ones.
Caregiving is not only physically exhausting but also emotionally draining. Without strong and consistent support systems, families are left to manage on their own. Their contribution is essential, yet it remains largely overlooked in policy decisions and public discussions.
More and more experts are calling for a shift in how public and European funds are used. Instead of investing in institutional infrastructure, resources should focus on services that support people in their own homes and communities.
Expanding personal assistance, community-based services, and supported housing should become a priority. These solutions give people the opportunity to live with dignity, maintain independence, and stay connected to society.
A meaningful reform requires setting clear limits on funding institutional care and redirecting investments toward services that empower individuals. This is not only a financial decision but also a social and moral one. The real measure of progress should not be renovated buildings, but the improved quality of life of the people the system is meant to support.
February 13, 2026
