Cyprus moves to expand home care for elderly and disabled
A working group will map care needs across the island and draft a national plan, as Cyprus spends just 0.2% of GDP on long-term care against an EU average of 1.7%.
Cyprus has taken its first formal step towards redesigning long-term care, with a working group tasked with assessing needs across the island and preparing the ground for a nationwide home-care network. The decision was reached at a meeting at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, as reported by Phileleftheros.
President Nikos Christodoulides received a proposal from three organisations representing older people, patients and people with disabilities, which calls for a new legal framework, a national authority, a dedicated fund and coordinated services. The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Tina Pavlou, also attended.
The proposal notes that Cyprus allocates 0.2 per cent of GDP to long-term care, compared with 1.7 per cent across the EU, and that most of that spending goes on cash benefits rather than organised services.
What it means for residents
The shift towards home-based care could change how families look after elderly or disabled relatives, but the practical effects will only become clear once the working group reports and funding is secured. For now, the main development is that the issue has moved onto the government's formal agenda.
- Home visits: Community teams of doctors, nurses and therapists would visit according to need, which may reduce trips to clinics for those with mobility problems.
- Support for carers: Family members looking after relatives could receive training, psychological support and respite care under the proposals.
- EU funding: Long-term care is to be included in planning for the 2028–2034 EU budget period, with proposals due for approval in September 2027.
“is excellent and covers all aspects holistically” — President Nikos Christodoulides, speaking to Phileleftheros after the meeting
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
