Slovakia proposes increasing capacity for social service facilities

The Slovak government is proposing an amendment to the Social Services Act that would increase the maximum capacity of certain social service facilities from 40 to 100 residents. This change specifically targets facilities for seniors and specialized facilities for persons with disabilities, such as those with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or dementia.

Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Family Erik Tomáš stated that the proposal is a compromise supported by key partners, including the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia and various regional governments. To maintain a community character, the law would require these larger facilities to operate in separate groups of no more than 20 people, each with its own staff, common room, and dining area.

However, the plan faces significant opposition from activists and political groups. The initiative ‘Chceme žiť v komunite’ (We Want to Live in the Community) and the NGO Sociofórum have warned that the move contradicts recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advises against expanding institutional care in favor of community-based support. Critics, including opposition MPs and the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, argue that larger institutions reduce privacy and individual autonomy, advocating instead for increased funding for field and community services.