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Barcelona regulates home care with more rights and oversight
Barcelona has approved new regulations for the Servei d’Ajuda a Domicili, a key service for thousands of older people, dependent people or people in vulnerable situations. For the first time, the rules establish a common framework of rights, duties and access criteria for users, families, professionals and provider organisations.
The text comes after a participatory process that gathered nearly 300 contributions. The aim is to reduce uncertainty in the day-to-day management of the service, clarify how benefits are accessed and strengthen the legal protection of those who receive care at home.
The regulations also set out users’ financial contribution according to their means. The amounts will be linked to municipal public prices and must be communicated more clearly, avoiding differing criteria in similar cases.
One of the new features will be the creation of the Consell del Servei d’Atenció Domiciliària. This body will include users, family members, workers, staff from the Institut Municipal de Serveis Socials and representatives of the companies and organisations that provide the service.
The rules also introduce a system of penalties. Serious infringements may lead to the suspension or withdrawal of assistance for certain users and fines of up to 100,000 euros for organisations responsible for particularly significant breaches.
In 2025, the SAD served nearly 20,000 people and recorded more than 3.5 million hours of care. The new contract, which has yet to be awarded, plans to add new professional profiles, improve coordination and strengthen communication with families.
The annual budget will grow to almost 146 million euros, 35.56% more. The collective agreement also provides for a progressive pay rise of 41.55% by 2031, a measure intended to reduce precariousness and improve workforce stability.
The gender perspective will carry specific weight, since much of the care work continues to fall on women. The new regulation aims to better recognise this reality and share responsibilities among the administration, families and the community.
The change leaves a more regulated service with more oversight mechanisms in a city that is ageing and needs increasingly complex care. For those who depend on the SAD, the key will be whether the new rules result in shorter waits, better care and greater continuity at home.