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Barcelona regulates home help with more rights and control
Barcelona has approved a new regulation for the Servei d’Ajuda a Domicili, a key service for thousands of older people, dependents, or those in vulnerable situations. The regulation sets out, for the first time, a common framework of rights, duties, and access criteria for users, families, professionals, and service providers.
The text comes after a participatory process that gathered nearly 300 contributions. The aim is to reduce uncertainty in the daily management of the service, clarify how to access benefits, and strengthen the legal protection of those receiving care at home.
The regulation also sets out users’ financial contributions according to their means. The amounts will be linked to municipal public prices and must be communicated more clearly, avoiding differences in criteria between 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 providing the service.
The regulation also introduces a sanctions regime. Serious breaches may result in the suspension or withdrawal of support for certain users and fines of up to 100,000 euros for organisations responsible for particularly significant violations.
The SAD served nearly 20,000 people in 2025 and provided more than 3.5 million hours of care. The new contract, still pending award, plans to bring in new professional profiles, improve coordination, and strengthen communication with families.
The annual budget will rise to nearly 146 million euros, an increase of 35.56%. The collective agreement also includes a progressive salary increase of 41.55% up to 2031, a measure aimed at reducing job insecurity and improving workforce stability.
A gender perspective will be specifically addressed, as much of the care work still falls to women. The new regulation aims to better recognise this reality and share responsibilities between the administration, families, and the community.
The change leaves the service more regulated and 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 lead to shorter waits, better care, and greater continuity at home.