The care of the elderly has been a contentious issue in the past, especially when residents are left to fend for themselves in facilities that are supposed to support them.
In response to these challenges, the Chamber of Deputies recently passed a new law aimed at better controlling the quality of care services provided to seniors.
A comprehensive list of criteria has been compiled to assess various aspects of life within these facilities. Key areas include participation in social activities, provision of appropriate menus, and safeguarding residents' privacy. Unlike the previous law, which only addressed building construction standards, the new legislation takes into account the vital social aspects of these establishments.
Effective from 2024, quality inspections will be conducted every five years by officials from the Ministry of Family Affairs. The inspections will involve interviews with management, staff, and residents of the facilities under review. Each area will receive a score, with the overall average calculated at the conclusion of the inspection. Any result below 70% will necessitate mandatory improvements.
Another significant improvement brought about by the new law pertains to the regulation of supported housing. The new law outlines clear criteria that developers and builders must strictly adhere to when catering to this clientele. This measure aims to address past instances of homes purportedly adapted for the elderly but failing to meet their needs.
Scheduled to come into effect in February 2024, the law raises questions about whether Luxembourg's criteria will surpass those of other countries. To address this, a comparative study commissioned by the authorities is currently underway and is expected to provide insights in the near future.
