Revolutionizing Home Care for Seniors: New Regulatory Standards Ahead

The Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy has introduced a draft regulation that establishes standardized, comprehensive home care services for seniors, scheduled to take effect on August 31, 2026.

Redefining Senior Home Care

Shopping and cleaning represent only a fraction of the support seniors will receive. The Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy has prepared a draft regulation that, for the first time, provides a detailed standard for home-based care services. If implemented as planned by August 31, 2026, caregivers will have a clearly defined scope of duties, ranging from daily chores and medical support to accompanying seniors on walks or during administrative errands.

A Unified Standard for Care

The draft regulation organizes the rules for providing care services to individuals who require daily assistance due to age, illness, or disability. The most significant change is the creation of a uniform standard for social welfare and community centers, ensuring seniors and their families have clear expectations regarding the support available.

Defining the Scope of Daily Support

The project outlines assistance across four primary areas. This includes support for daily functioning, household management, medical assistance, and personal hygiene. While this does not replace professional nursing services, it provides consistent help with essential daily tasks.

Medical and Hygiene Assistance

Caregivers will be authorized to assist with simple medical tasks recommended by a physician. Furthermore, the regulations specify that caregivers will support daily hygiene, including bathing and the changing of incontinence products, alongside measures to prevent bedsores and pressure ulcers in immobile patients.

Combating Social Isolation

An innovative element of the project focuses on preventing loneliness and social exclusion. Caregivers will be tasked with helping seniors maintain social contacts and participate in outings, ensuring better mental and emotional well-being.

Tailored Care Based on Need

The assistance provided will not be identical for every senior; it will be adapted to individual psychophysical needs and health status. Services will be available seven days a week, between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Currently, over 111,000 people rely on these services across Poland, supported by approximately 6,000 caregivers operating under municipal social welfare centers.