In Poland, the aging population and the growing need for senior care mean that more and more elderly people and their families are considering the costs associated with care. The key question remains whether a senior’s pension can cover these expenses. Let’s take a closer look at the costs of care and the financial options available to Polish retirees.
The cost of staying in a senior care home depends on many factors, such as the location of the facility, the standard of the accommodation, and the range of services offered. In Poland, prices range from 3,000 to even 10,000 PLN per month. Facilities with basic standards in smaller towns offer cheaper stays, but comfortable facilities with additional amenities, such as rehabilitation, round-the-clock medical care, or recreational activities, are significantly more expensive.
Not all seniors want or are able to live in a care home. An alternative is care services provided at the elderly person’s home. The cost of such care depends on the number of hours and the type of services. Hourly rates usually range from 20 to 50 PLN, which, assuming several hours a day, amounts to 2,000–5,000 PLN per month.
In the case of more intensive care, including, for example, 24/7 caregiver presence, costs may exceed 10,000 PLN per month.
According to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) data, the average pension in Poland in 2023 was about 2,500 PLN gross. At the same time, many elderly people receive much lower benefits, especially women, who often have career breaks due to childcare. Pensions above 5,000 PLN are relatively rare and are mainly available to individuals with long careers and high earnings.
For an average pension, it is difficult to imagine independently financing a stay in a senior care home. Seniors with lower incomes must rely on financial support from their family or state assistance. For many families, such expenses are a significant burden, leading to a preference for cheaper alternatives, such as:
Family care – many elderly people remain in the care of relatives, which reduces costs but requires time and commitment from the family.
Public care homes – they offer lower prices, but the number of places is limited, and the standard often falls short of private facilities.
Allowances and subsidies – individuals in difficult situations can apply for support from social welfare centers or benefit from state programs such as “Care 75+”.
Seniors and their families can benefit from various forms of financial support, such as:
Care allowance – for family caregivers who give up paid work.
Municipal subsidies – some municipalities provide financial support for care services.
Tax relief – expenses for senior care can be deducted from income in tax returns.
The costs of senior care in Poland are high, and the average pension is often insufficient to cover them. However, seniors can take advantage of various forms of support, such as subsidies, tax relief, or family assistance. It is essential to plan these expenses in advance and explore all financial possibilities to ensure elderly people have a dignified life and adequate care.
December 13, 2024