Improving Andalusia's social care: a collaborative effort

Spain’s social care system faces significant challenges, such as an aging population and rising inequality, putting pressure on social services. The provision of these services is decentralised in Spain, with each autonomous region responsible for managing its own health and social care system.

Andalusia, which is home to 8.4 million people, has a substantial elderly and disabled population in need of quality care services: around 18% of the population is over 65 years old, the equivalent of 1.5 million persons. In addition, more than 400 000 persons below 65 years old have a disability.

Andalusia partners with the CEB

The authorities of Andalusia are aware of the growing number of people in the region who struggle with daily life due to age and disabilities and are committed to tackling this challenge strategically, by improving social care services targeted to these cohorts.

To support Andalusia in its efforts, the CEB provided an initial €200 million loan in 2022 to finance elderly care centres, facilities for persons with disabilities and home care assistance. This loan marked the Junta de Andalusia’s first CEB loan in the health sector, which was increased to €350 million in 2023, confirming the continued focus on care services. In June 2024, the CEB approved a new €200 million loan with the same objective.

Impact of CEB’s financial support

The Andalusian Agency for Social Services and Dependency (ASSDA) has the overall responsibility to manage the implementation and oversee the allocation, supervision, monitoring, and control of social care services across the region.

To understand the impact of the CEB’s financing, representatives of the Bank conducted site visits and specific missions across Andalusia to observe the operations of care facilities, and listen to the concerns of those who benefit from these services.

Two of the facilities visited - Francisco de Asis and Polaris - are managed by the APRONI International Foundation, a non-profit organisation established in 1999 which aims to promote and implement social services. The third facility visited was Centro de Mayores Ferrusola, a residence specialised in elderly care.

Juan Gabriel García Ruiz, President of the APRONI International Foundation, deeply values the commitment of ASSDA in developing essential resources to improve the lives of people in situations of dependency within the community. He also highlights the significant collaboration with the CEB, whose funding is crucial for building a more equitable and supportive society. “The synergies established between ASSDA and the CEB allow entities like APRONI to carry out essential work for the community, ensuring quality and humane care, always with the dignity of each person as a priority.“

Thanks to the CEB financing, more than 182 000 vulnerable people across the region benefited from quality social care. This includes almost 34 000 persons with disabilities and 148 500 elderly people.

“The partnership between the CEB and the regional authorities of Andalusia is vital for advancing social investment. It combines financial resources with local expertise, ensuring that initiatives are well funded and strategically aligned with the community needs, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth,“ emphasised Maria Sigüenza, the CEB’s Country Manager for Spain.

Broader impact of CEB’s financing

The CEB financing is supporting Andalusia not only to partially cover its social care needs, but also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

• SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
• SDG 10: Reduce inequalities within and among countries.

Beyond the qualitative impact on social services, CEB loans offer other benefits for the Treasury of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia such as the diversification of the region’s sources of financing.

“The CEB loan optimised funding flows, reduced costs, and diversified funding sources, making it a successful partnership,” highlighted Ignacio Cepeda, General Director of Treasury and Public Debt.

By leveraging financial resources and local knowledge, the collaboration between the CEB and Andalusian authorities aims to create a sustainable and inclusive future for Andalusia’s most vulnerable populations.