A real reform of the care system is not simply about moving people from large institutions into smaller facilities. Its true purpose should be to return control over life to the individual. Deinstitutionalization is, above all, a change in thinking – a shift from institution-centered care to support based on freedom, choice, and dignity.
In Poland, the process of deinstitutionalization is often reduced to closing large care homes and opening smaller ones for 10–12 residents. At first glance, this may appear to be progress – fewer people, modern buildings, and a more home-like environment. However, changing the size of a facility does not necessarily mean changing the system.
A smaller number of residents does not automatically lead to greater independence. If the same rules remain in place and decisions are still made by staff, the reality is that the institution continues to function in the same way – just on a smaller scale.
According to experts such as Prof. Jan Siska and Prof. Julie Beadle-Brown, many smaller facilities still operate according to institutional principles. This often means limited privacy, fixed daily schedules, and restricted influence over decisions that directly affect residents’ everyday lives.
In such environments, daily life frequently follows a predetermined schedule – set times for meals, sleep, and activities. Residents are not always able to decide when to wake up, what to eat, or how to spend their time. As a result, despite improved surroundings, the feeling of dependence may remain.
Real independence is not defined by where a person lives, but by the ability to make everyday choices. Freedom begins with simple decisions – choosing when to get up, what to eat, how to spend the day, and who to spend time with.
These everyday decisions play a crucial role in building a sense of dignity, autonomy, and belonging. When people have influence over their own lives, they feel safer, more confident, and more connected to society. Without this, even the most modern facility cannot replace a true home.
One of the biggest challenges remains the lack of access to personal assistance. Without proper support, people with disabilities may remain separated from the community, the labor market, and social life, even if they live in modern housing.
Infrastructure alone is not enough to create conditions for independent living. Real change requires practical solutions that support integration: access to services, personal assistance, and opportunities to participate actively in community life.
Deinstitutionalization should mean a shift from control to support, from dependence to empowerment. Only then can a system be built in which every person truly has the right to decide for themselves and live with independence and dignity.
February 11, 2026
