The municipality of Lopera has presented an action plan to ensure the continuity of its elderly residence service. The measures aim to mitigate the impact of the anticipated increase in plaza prices and guarantee adequate facilities for the future.
The Congregation of the Hospital Sisters of Jesus Nazarene, which has managed the center for over 50 years, informed the City Council of its intention to donate the residence. The council has been working on various solutions. Among the options studied is private management by specialized companies, one of which has shown interest, although direct contact with the current managers has not yet occurred.
Mayor Carmen Torres explained the difficulties in directly municipalizing the service. She noted that the current building does not meet the necessary architectural conditions for public-funded places and that economic reports advise against direct management by the City Council due to financial viability. She also recalled that the management of such services falls under the Junta de Andalucía, for which authorization has already been requested.
Given the current situation and the foreseeable rise in plaza costs, the governing team has proposed two lines of action. The first, short-term, is the creation of an annual municipal aid fund of 60,000 euros. This aid will be directed to residents and their families to alleviate the economic impact of price increases.
The second action, for the medium and long term, focuses on promoting the construction of a new residence. The goal is to have modern and suitable facilities that offer a stable and lasting response to the needs of the municipality's elderly population, reaffirming the commitment to move towards a public and accessible residence.
