Dependency Law and aid for older people
One of the most important concerns, when the need arises to hire a help service for dependent elderly people, is the economic issue. Not in vain, this is one of the most determining variables before making a decision since, in the sector of care for dependent elderly people, the costs are very high: residences with unaffordable prices, day centers with prohibitive rates, very expensive home care services, etc. Therefore, knowing public aid is essential.
It is in this context of rising prices of services, aggravated by the continuous decline in the purchasing power of our elderly, that it became necessary to create a framework to guarantee access to resources and services for dependency care: Dependency Law in 2006 (Law for the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for People in a Situation of Dependency).
What is meant by dependency?
According to Law 39/2006, dependency is “the permanent state in which people find themselves who, for reasons derived from age, illness or disability, and linked to the lack or loss of physical, mental, intellectual or sensory, they require the attention of another person or people or important help to carry out basic activities of daily life.
And 3 degrees of dependency are established, depending on the limitations that the affected person has:
Grade 1 or moderate dependence
When the person needs help carrying out several basic activities for daily living (personal care, mobility, domestic activities, etc.) once a day.
Grade 2 or severe dependence
When the person needs help to carry out various basic activities for daily living two or three times a day and requires support to maintain their autonomy.
Grade 3 or great dependency
Case in which the person requires continuous help to carry out several basic activities of daily living and, in addition, needs generalized support.
Who can access the Dependency Law?
In order to benefit from the benefits and aid offered by the Dependency Law, the following requirements must be met:
- Be Spanish.
- Have resided in Spain for 5 years (and do so currently).
- Being in a situation of dependency (in any of the degrees established by Law).
What services can you receive with the Dependency Law?
| Prevention services (1) | Telecare service (2) | Home help service (3) | Day and night center service (4) | Residential care service (5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy living promotion programs | Access to technological platforms | Personal care | night center | Care center for people in a situation of dependency |
| Attention to home care | day center | Residence for elderly people in a situation of dependency |
(1) They allow the dependent to participate in various actions and programs to promote healthy living conditions.
(2) The beneficiaries of the Dependency Law will have access to technological platforms (communication and information) through which they can receive support and response in emergency situations.
(3) Activities intended to facilitate care of daily needs in the home of the dependent person. Includes personal care services or attention to domestic needs (cleaning, cooking, etc.).
(4) Offers comprehensive care to dependent people (during the day or night) in order to enhance or maintain the level of personal autonomy and help family members and caregivers.
(5) Continuous personal and health services to people in a situation of dependency
What financial aid can a dependent elderly person receive?
In the event that the elderly cannot receive any of the services provided within the framework of the Dependency Law (shown in the previous section), they may receive a financial benefit intended solely to cover the expenses derived from contracting the service. These benefits will be the following:
- Financial benefit for care in the family environment and support for non-professional caregivers.
- In cases where the dependent person is cared for by a family member, and certain conditions are met, financial aid may be received.
- Economic prestation for personal assistance. In order to facilitate the hiring of personal assistance, for a number of hours, that facilitates the elderly person to have a more autonomous life in the exercise of the basic activities of daily living.
How can we help?
The Dependency Law, like many laws, establishes very optimistic guidelines and maximums, but in practice, these services or benefits are inaccessible or insufficient and do not fulfill the purpose of facilitating help to people in a situation of dependency.
| Grade 3. Great dependency | Between 55 and 90 hours per month | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 2. Severe dependence | Between 30 and 55 hours per month | |
| Grade 1. Moderate dependence | Between 12 and 30 hours per month |
For example, the hours of home care, established by Law, are, in many cases, insufficient to meet the needs of dependent people. Aid that shows certain shortcomings in scope and effectiveness, since a maximum of 90 hours per month (in cases of extreme dependency) are really scarce (3 hours a day). Therefore, under the protection of the public sector, it would not be possible to access a live-in caregiver service, which is so necessary in many cases. And not only that, all the procedures to access these services or benefits are very long and full of administrative obstacles.
It is in this context where from Your Angel we can help you. We want to give you all the tools available to facilitate access to all the information regarding possible subsidies and other public benefits. We know the importance of finding an adequate price to have the best care service for dependent elderly people and we want to help you achieve it.
Do you want us to help you?
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