The care reform that started three years ago aimed to make care home services more accessible and affordable.
There are now more places in care homes. In 2021, there were 10,000, but by 2023, there were already 12,000. The reform also made the work of local governments more difficult, as they now have to assess more people.
Care home prices vary. In some places, there is one price for everyone, while in others, the price depends on the type of room. The Ministry of Social Affairs wants to make the prices clearer.
Care homes have places for people with regular care needs. But it is difficult for people with greater care needs to find a place. Special service providers are now being trained for these people.
Home care support services did not grow sufficiently. Although more people use these services, the time allocated to each is shorter. Local governments did not have money to develop these services.
The study recommends investing more money in home care support services. It is also important to help people seek advice earlier, before their situation becomes too difficult.
Care homes now earn more. Labor costs increased, but profits rose from 6% to 15%. Staffing standards are better met: in 2022, 40% of care homes met them, and in 2023, 72% did.
In the future, the need for care will grow as the population ages. Therefore, more money is needed for long-term care and a better service structure.
Most of the new places were created by the private sector. Local governments themselves have created almost no new places. Currently, 11 local governments are building new service houses that will help people before they move to a care home.