New Degree of Extreme Dependence Approved in Spain,Offering Up to €10,000 Monthly Support
Table of Contents
This Tuesday,the Council of Ministers approved a decree law presented by Pablo Bustinduy and prepared by the Ministry of Social Rights,introducing a structural change: the incorporation of a new degree of extreme dependence,Grade III+,to guarantee protection for people with neurological diseases that require highly complex care.
This move will offer personalized attention to those people diagnosed with ALS and other complex and irreversible diseases in an advanced phase, including 24-hour care – a key demand from patients and their families.The decree law, establishing this new legal figure, will mobilize 500 million euros for the complete development of the ELA Law (Law 3/2024) and to reinforce the Autonomy and Dependency Care System (SAAD).
This financial commitment and the regulation itself adapt the system to the specific needs of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or other diseases with a high degree of complexity and irreversible progression, ensuring the necessary funding. Essentially, this decree law modifies the SAAD to provide ALS patients with the coverage they require.
Degrees of dependency in Spain
The Autonomy and Dependency Care System (SAAD) establishes three degrees of dependency, now four, according to the support needs for activities of daily living:
- Grade I – Moderate dependence: The person needs help to perform some basic activities (such as dressing, eating, or grooming) several times a week. A level of dependency is recognized that allows receiving financial benefits or partial support services.
- Grade II – Severe dependence: The person needs help to perform basic activities most of the time and may also require assistance with more complex tasks. This grade typically involves a important need for personal assistance and care.
- Grade III – extreme dependence: The person is completely dependent on others for almost all activities of daily living and requires constant supervision.
- Grade III+ – Extreme dependence (New): This new grade is specifically for individuals with highly complex and irreversible diseases like ALS, requiring 24-hour care and a high degree of personalized attention. This level of support can translate to benefits of up to 10,000 euros per month.
Spain Allocates €500 Million to Enhance ALS and complex Disease Care
Spain is investing €500 million to improve care for individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases characterized by high complexity and irreversible progression. This funding, coupled with new regulatory developments under the ALS Law, aims to personalize and enhance support services, shifting towards a more community-based and responsive care model.
Regulatory Development of the ALS Law
The financial allocation and accompanying regulations adapt the System of Autonomy and Dependency Care (SAAD) to the specific needs of individuals living with ALS and similar conditions. this ensures adequate funding is available to support comprehensive care.
Minister of Social rights, Pablo Bustinduy, emphasized that this decree law represents a move towards a more personalized care system. he stated that the goal is to create a system that “responds to the needs of each person,” especially regarding 24-hour care requirements. Source: La Moncloa
According to Minister Bustinduy, the €500 million investment and regulatory changes will enable the SAAD to adapt to the social realities of individuals, rather than requiring individuals to adapt to the system. This will guarantee “close and community care,that cares for people based on their needs and desires and that offers decent conditions to the people who provide that care.” Source: La Moncloa
Key Areas of Investment
The funding will be allocated to a range of care services, including:
- Exclusive Jurisdiction: Ensuring specialized care pathways.
- Telecare: Utilizing technology to provide remote monitoring and support.
- Residential Places: Expanding access to assisted living facilities.
- non-Residential Places: Supporting community-based care options.
- Day Centers: Providing daytime support and activities.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to muscle weakness,paralysis,and eventually,death. Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) ALS is considered a complex disease due to it’s progressive nature and the significant impact it has on an individual’s quality of life.
Looking Ahead
This significant investment demonstrates Spain’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals with ALS and other complex diseases. The focus on personalized, community-based care represents a positive step towards a more responsive and equitable healthcare system. Continued monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to ensure the effective implementation of these new regulations and the optimal allocation of resources.