Senior homes. Does free senior care exist?

In the face of an aging society, more and more families are faced with the challenge of caring for their elderly relatives. Nursing homes can be a solution to these needs, but the question that often arises is: Can senior care be free? In Poland, there are some opportunities to obtain free or partially state-funded care for the elderly, but these are tied to specific conditions. Here is what you should know.

Social Welfare Homes (DPS) – What Are the Rules?

Social Welfare Homes (DPS) are facilities that provide round-the-clock care for elderly people who, for various reasons, are no longer able to live independently and require constant care. Theoretically, DPS can offer free care, but in practice, the costs are shared between the senior, their family, and the state.

Who Is Eligible for a Place in a DPS?

For a senior to be admitted to a DPS, they must meet certain criteria. Primarily:

• Health condition: The senior must require round-the-clock care that neither the family nor other close persons can provide.
• Financial situation: People with low incomes have a better chance of receiving support. The admission process to a DPS includes a social survey conducted by the Social Welfare Center (OPS) to assess the senior’s living situation.

Costs of Staying in a DPS – What You Need to Know

Although many people associate DPS with free care, the reality is more complex. The rules for financing a stay in a DPS are regulated by law:

• The senior covers part of the costs: Typically, seniors living in a DPS are required to contribute 70% towards the cost of their stay.
• If this is not possible, the municipality takes over these costs.
• For people with very low incomes or without family, the remaining costs are covered by the municipality, meaning the senior’s stay in the DPS can be free for them.

Day Care Centers – An Alternative to Full-Time Care

If a senior does not require round-the-clock care but needs support during the day, it is worth considering day care centers. These are facilities that offer care and therapeutic activities for seniors during the day, after which they return to their homes. These types of services are often partially funded by municipalities, so they can be free or offered for a symbolic fee.

Home Care – Support at Home

An alternative to nursing homes is home care, which involves regular visits by caregivers to the senior’s home. These services include assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, cleaning, shopping, and medical care. Home care can be partially or fully funded by the state, depending on the financial situation of the senior and their family. It is worth applying for such support at the local Social Welfare Center.

How to Get Help?

To gain access to free or partially funded senior care, the senior or their family should contact the local Social Welfare Center (OPS). OPS staff will help fill out the necessary documents, conduct a social survey, and advise on the best solutions for the given situation.

Summary

Although completely free senior care in nursing homes is possible, it usually requires meeting certain criteria regarding the senior’s health and financial situation. It is important to know your rights and options to take advantage of available support forms if necessary. If placing a senior in a DPS is not possible, other options, such as day care centers or home care, which can also be partially state-funded, should be considered.