Albó Centre Logs 124 Serious Incidents in 3 Years Amid Self-Harm and Assaults

The Albó residential centre has recorded 124 serious incidents related to behaviour, mental health, or safety over the past three years, from 2023 to mid-2026, according to a government response to questions from Andorra Endavant councillor Noemí Amador.

The incidents break down into 27 self-harm cases (22%), 58 assaults on others (47%), and 39 episodes causing material damage (31%). Officials define serious incidents as those requiring emergency services, hospital admission, or robust containment measures such as physical or pharmacological intervention, resulting in physical harm to residents, staff, or property. All were handled following internal protocols, prioritising the safety of residents, professionals, and the facility.

The highest number occurred in 2023 with 42 cases, followed by 30 in 2024, 39 in 2025, and 13 up to mid-May 2026. The centre, managed by the Fundació Privada Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, housed 44 residents as of 15 May 2026. Their profiles include 36% with intellectual disabilities or neurodevelopmental disorders without comorbidities; 25% with added mental health issues but no behavioural alterations; 18% with associated behavioural challenges; 18% with physical conditions; and 2% with mental disorders alone. The government noted that 80% of residents show no behavioural disorder profile.

Staffing comprises 35 direct-care professionals, including 16 auxiliars, six monitors, two educators, one psychologist, and five nurses available around the clock via collaboration with the SAAS health service. Additional roles include a coordinating technician for person-centred care, a socio-health coordinator, a referring doctor, a psychiatrist, and 24-hour on-site security. Night shifts feature three auxiliars, one nurse, and one security guard for the 44 residents, exceeding reference ratios under the current framework agreement.

Over the last five years, enhancements have included an extra night-shift auxiliar, a dedicated auxiliar for intensive individual support, and continuous security presence to address evolving resident needs and risk management. Protocols follow person-centred care and positive behavioural support models. No internal reports of staffing shortages or care pressure have been filed with the foundation, and ratios undergo regular quality audits and inspections. Exceptional cases allow for added supports.

Two complaints have surfaced. An anonymous one in August 2025 cited thermal discomfort, perceived auxiliar shortages, and staff safety concerns over potential assaults. A social and socio-health inspection found no staffing non-compliances, confirmed protocols, individual behaviour plans, staff training, and extra security measures. The dining area's lack of direct air conditioning was flagged for improvement. A second complaint, filed on 2 June 2026, raised staff safety and centre management of challenging behaviours; it is under joint review by the government and facility.

Despite these, user surveys show an average satisfaction of 8.3 out of 10, with 90.5% of families recommending the service. Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín emphasised ongoing technical assessments of staffing based on resident complexity.