Andorra Minister Outlines Expanded Senior Care Plans at Federation Assembly

Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín detailed government plans to bolster senior care at the Federation of Older People's general assembly on Thursday at the Congress Centre in Andorra la Vella. Attendees included Health Minister Helena Mas, State Secretaries Ester Cervós and Cristina Pérez for Social Affairs and Health, respectively, and other national representatives.

Federation president Fèlix Zapatero outlined priorities akin to a wishlist, calling for more sociosanitory places, enhanced health services, preventive care, and greater senior participation in social and political life. He referenced rumours of a potential facility in Ordino, urging urban locations over remote sites like El Serrat to avoid isolation and noting high costs of private land.

Marín acknowledged the capacity shortfall, with subsidised sociosanitory places at 71% occupancy. She confirmed works on Encamp's new residence—with 130 total places, including 66 subsidised under a memorandum of understanding—will begin soon and may finish by late next year. Its ground floor will feature a day centre. On additional sites, she said negotiations continue with parishes such as Ordino, La Massana, and Sant Julià de Lòria, plus private investors, for at least two projects involving land grants, residences, or serviced flats. "It's not just one parish—we're working on at least two," she said, withholding details pending progress.

The ministry emphasises ageing in place, having expanded home care through a private partnership to clear waiting lists. Last week, Andorra la Vella launched the Radars initiative, which enlists social services, neighbours, shops, pharmacies, and volunteers to spot unwanted loneliness or risks among seniors. Around 40 businesses have joined, with more signing up. Ordino rollout is underway via database setup, and meetings started this week in Sant Julià de Lòria.

CASS coverage will soon include podology for diabetes—currently two €5 weekly sessions at primary care centres—along with hearing aids and updated optics pricing, broader eligibility, and faster approvals. The Health Ministry is advancing ambulatory dietetics for diabetes, obesity, and malnutrition, with consultations at specialists' offices.

Marín stressed a balanced administration blending digital and face-to-face access. "Ageing near home and loved ones holds immense human value," she added.

In parallel, Social Democrats councillor Laia Moliné submitted written questions to the government on long-term sociosanitory planning amid population ageing. She seeks projections for 2030, 2035, and 2040 on residential places, day centres, and home care needs; current occupancy trends over five years; waiting list numbers by dependency level and hospital discharges pending placement; average wait times; and patients occupying hospital beds due to unavailable spots last year. On Encamp, she asks if 120 residential plus 66 subsidised places suffice for coming demand, alongside staffing estimates for TCAI aides, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and others. Queries also cover mandatory staff-to-resident ratios—or the need for them—current averages by shift, sector staffing shortages and exits over five years, retention challenges from housing costs, training capacity in nursing, preferred care models, planned public investment, and risks of building without adequate personnel.

Andorra la Vella mayor Sergi González, addressing nearly 400 attendees, praised their role in parish vitality and announced 18 new senior housing units, adding to 15 at Hostal Calones. Zapatero further sought detection campaigns, post-operative testing at centres, promotion of reverse referrals and emergency services, and preventive focus.