Andorra Care Home Ditches Rigid Routines for Personalized Elderly Living

The Sant Vicenç d’Enclar care centre in Andorra has introduced a new approach to elderly care that prioritises residents’ personal rhythms, preferences and sense of purpose over rigid routines.

Launched in August 2025 under the banner “Viure realment com es vol” – or “Living really as one wants” – the initiative challenges traditional models focused on basic needs, safety and standardised schedules. Instead, it emphasises individual autonomy, daily rituals and life histories to help residents feel useful and alive.

Centre director Teresa Milà explained that every resident arrives with their own background, including customs, past professions, hobbies and relationships. Staff now use active listening to create tailored life plans that accommodate personal habits, such as preferred wake-up times or favourite activities. “The key is for every proposal to stem from the person’s real interests,” Milà said.

Practical changes include flexible mealtimes, bathing and rest periods, with spaces reorganised for closer, more adaptable support. Activities are redesigned to reflect residents’ pre-centre lives: a former farmer might tend a garden, while a cook could share traditional recipes. These are not mere pastimes but ways to preserve identity and continuity.

The model, known as I FEEL and developed in partnership with Granedad, requires staff to shift mindsets, fostering better coordination and deeper understanding of residents’ needs. After six months, the centre reports noticeable improvements in residents’ wellbeing and a homelier atmosphere.

Milà stressed that care should go beyond paperwork to personalised accompaniment. In Andorra’s ageing population, the project raises broader questions about whether residences should merely provide custody or enable meaningful living.