Long-term care in rural areas in Poland

This case study explores the results of a social innovation project in Poland, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), which aimed to address long-term care gaps for chronically ill individuals in rural areas. In response to demographic ageing, rural depopulation, and low family support networks, the initiative developed a comprehensive home care model. It expanded hospice care criteria and integrated trained caregivers into multidisciplinary Home Care Teams.

Implemented by 21 organisations across 13 regions, the project enhanced patients’ quality of life, reduced hospital admissions, and alleviated the burden on informal caregivers. A key innovation demonstrated by the project was the cost-effective delegation of tasks through brief caregiver training and role clarification, leading to a 30% reduction in staffing costs without compromising the quality of care.

ESF support was instrumental in fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, establishing coordination mechanisms, and addressing fragmentation within rural health and social services.

Date of original publication: 25/06/2025