The autonomous community of Andalusia has seen a significant reinforcement in its elderly care services over the past seven years. Currently, there are 7,500 more places in residences funded by public money compared to 2019, bringing the total to approximately 30,000 positions. The Regional Ministry of Social Services, Families, and Equality authorized a new social contract in June, including 2,000 additional places for individuals with dependency needs, valued at 776 million euros.
This expansion has been made possible by an investment of 134 million euros from the Next Generation Funds. These funds have been allocated to the construction, expansion, and renovation of over one hundred residences and day centers for the elderly and people with disabilities throughout the region.
Funding for the sector has also seen significant improvements. Since 2019, there has been a 33.4% increase for residential places and day centers for the elderly, and an average of 38.9% for people with disabilities. A key advancement has been the streamlining of center openings, reducing the time from two years to just three months thanks to the Administrative Simplification decree.
Despite these advances, the sector faces the challenge of a shortage of professionals. It is estimated to employ around 75,000 people, of whom 54,000 are gerocaregivers. However, regulations require minimum staff-to-user ratios that are proving difficult to meet due to a lack of human resources. Of the 75,000 workers, only 5,027 work in public residences, while the rest are employed by private entities.
A recent report by the Business Circle for Care of People (CECUA) and the Confederation of Employers of Andalusia (CEA) highlights the need for 3,919 additional professionals to care for dependent individuals awaiting the Individual Care Program (PIA). 97% of residences report difficulties in hiring staff due to a lack of professionals in the labor market.
Sector managers point to the need for a 30% to 35% increase in service fees to attract and retain professionals. Andrés Rodríguez, president of CECUA, states that only by guaranteeing adequate financial conditions can the care sector become an attractive career option. The specific nature of shifts, working on holidays, and the demands of home care services also hinder professional recruitment.
