New Standards for Home Care: Municipalities to Enforce Quality Control from August 2026

Starting August 4, 2026, Polish municipalities will be legally required to monitor and assess the quality of home-based care services provided to seniors, the ill, and individuals with disabilities.

Municipal Oversight of Care Quality

A legislative amendment to the Social Assistance Act, published on July 21, 2026, mandates that local authorities must actively monitor and evaluate care services provided in patients’ homes. Municipalities are now tasked with analyzing service delivery to ensure that support is safe, effective, and aligned with the specific needs of the recipients.

If inspections reveal irregularities, the municipality is required to take corrective action. The government aims to unify these care standards nationwide, ensuring consistent support quality regardless of the recipient’s place of residence, supported by a future ministerial regulation defining specific service protocols.

Eligibility and Scope of Assistance

The new regulations clarify the criteria for receiving home care, which remains available to individuals requiring support due to age, illness, or other impairments. Priority is given to people living alone who lack sufficient help, though services may also be granted to those with family if relatives—including spouses living separately, parents, or children—are unable to provide necessary care.

The scope of these services includes basic personal care, while specialized services remain dedicated to individuals with specific medical conditions or disabilities. These must be performed by professionals with appropriate vocational qualifications.

Mandatory Requirements for Caregivers

Starting in August, stricter conditions will apply to those providing care, including neighborhood-based assistance. Providers must live in the recipient’s immediate vicinity and be accepted by both the recipient and the service organizer. Those lacking first-aid certification must complete mandatory training organized by the service provider.

Official decisions granting these services will now clearly define the scope, duration, and location of the assistance. This is designed to facilitate better oversight and ensure that the provided help is precisely tailored to the individual’s requirements.

Transitional Provisions

The law enters into force on August 4, 2026. Current service providers have a one-month window to submit required declarations regarding their psychophysical capacity. Furthermore, a three-month transition period is provided for caregivers to meet new first-aid training requirements.