The demand for dependency aid to hire professional caregivers in Gipuzkoa has seen a notable increase, indicating a shift towards professionalizing home care. Applications for hiring a caregiver rose from 5,895 approved in 2022 to 7,136 in 2025, a 21% increase over three years. In contrast, aid for family-based care grew at a slower pace of 11%.
Population aging and the increasing complexity of dependency situations make it harder for family members to provide care alone. Consequently, more families are opting for the Economic Personal Assistance Benefit (PEAP), which helps cover the costs of hiring personal assistants for dependent individuals at home.
In 2025, a total of 20,875 people received some form of dependency benefit, with an expenditure of 75.7 million euros. It is estimated that over the next 20 years, the number of dependent elderly individuals in Gipuzkoa, where they constitute over 23% of the population, will grow by 5% annually.
Furthermore, 80% of dependent elderly individuals prefer to be cared for at home, and the combination of benefits facilitates their stay at home for up to five years. The cost and waiting lists for nursing home placements also influence this preference.
In this context, the Provincial Council has progressively increased aid to facilitate the hiring of professional caregivers at home. Between December 2024 and January 2025, an information campaign was launched to raise awareness about these benefits.
Demand has surged in recent years. While there were 1,190 PEAP recipients at the end of 2012, this number reached 5,895 by December 31, 2022, a fourfold increase. In 2025, there were 7,136 beneficiaries.
Additionally, over 7,000 caregivers have received specific training since 2018. Given that eight out of ten elderly individuals wish to remain in their homes, the professionalization of care is a priority in Gipuzkoa's care model.
However, families still consider the current amounts insufficient to cover the real cost of hiring professional caregivers. The General Assemblies of Gipuzkoa requested a thorough study on the impact of these benefits on May 6th to improve the system.
