There is much more money for people with disabilities and their caregivers

• In 2023, the Podkarpackie Voivode increased the funding for support for people with disabilities to over PLN 1.5 billion
• The largest funds were allocated to financial assistance for people with disabilities and their caregivers
• New care and residential centers and assisted living facilities were created to increase the independence of beneficiaries

According to the announcement, out of the amount of over PLN 1.5 billion to support people with disabilities, the largest amount, over PLN 1.1 billion, was allocated to financial assistance for these people and their caregivers .

- This is over PLN 132.7 million more than in 2024.

Specialized care services in the Podkarpacie region

Meanwhile, PLN 16.7 million has been allocated for specialist care services for people with disabilities who remain at home, which is over PLN 4.2 million more than in 2024.

For example, it is about helping:

• caregivers,
• guardian,
• therapist in everyday functioning, learning and independence, conducting rehabilitation and ensuring access to health care.

A personal assistant for a person with disabilities who helps in performing everyday activities, such as:

• getting dressed,
• hygiene,
• running a household,
• moving,
• communication with the environment,

Over PLN 74.1 million was allocated, over PLN 24 million more than in 2024.

Respite care and assisted living for people with disabilities in the Podkarpacie region

For respite care support for:

• family members,
• or caregivers providing direct care to people with disabilities

Over PLN 16.7 million was allocated this year.

As Teresa Kubas-Hul , Voivode of Podkarpacie, quoted in the press release, reminds, this program enables caregivers to:

• rest,
• regeneration of strength, and
• settling personal matters,

while the disabled person is under professional care.

Another form of support is assisted living, a place where people with disabilities are prepared, with the support of specialists, for independent living . These apartments are tailored to the individual needs and mobility of residents. They provide safe and comfortable living conditions and teach them independence.

"People with disabilities learn here how to independently take care of their health, manage their money, spend their free time, handle official matters, prepare meals, shop, do laundry, and clean. They pay their own rent, electricity, water, meals, medicine, travel, and participate in cultural and recreational events and trips," emphasized Irena Marszałek-Czekierda , Director of the Social Policy Department at the Podkarpackie Voivodeship Office.

Podkarpacie: new initiatives and care and housing centers

This year, the amount for assisted housing amounted to over PLN 4.8 million, while last year the ministry did not allocate any money for this purpose.

"It is crucial that our actions meet the needs and provide people with disabilities in both large urban areas and small municipalities with equal access to services. Therefore, I would like to thank the heads of municipalities, mayors, and presidents for their willingness to create more places where people with disabilities, with the support of professionals, can learn independence," the voivode noted, quoted in the press release.

With those in need in mind, residential care centers (MCCs) are also being established in the region. This network of day and 24-hour facilities provides a variety of activities and rehabilitation . Currently, there are 13 MCCs in the region, for which the voivode allocated over PLN 19.3 million this year.

In turn, over PLN 124.1 million has been allocated to community self-help homes (CSDs), centers providing daily and 24-hour support for people with mental disorders. CSDs are entirely financed by the state budget, and participants stay free of charge.

Meanwhile, over PLN 96.7 million has been reserved for social welfare homes (DPS), which accommodate people requiring 24-hour care due to age, illness or disability, who cannot be provided with the necessary assistance in the form of care services at their place of residence.

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