# Elderly care capacity challenges in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/elderly-care-capacity-challenges-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-10-25T10:15:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Bulgaria and Hungary are both facing significant challenges regarding elderly care infrastructure and service availability.

In Bulgaria, the government is utilizing the Recovery and Resilience Plan to construct 250 new homes to address a shortage of facilities. Despite these efforts, Social Minister Natalia Efremova reports that over 5,000 people remain on waiting lists. This expansion follows previous public outcry over illegal care homes described as ‘houses of horrors’.

Hungary is experiencing a systemic crisis with approximately 48,070 people currently waiting for social care. This demand represents roughly 78 percent of the nation’s total capacity, with an average waiting time of one year. To address these shortages and modernize infrastructure, the Jobbik Healthcare Cabinet has proposed an ‘Elderly Care Fund’ that would redirect excise tax revenues from tobacco and alcohol toward long-term care investments.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Hungary faces elderly care crisis with massive waiting lists

Hungary faces a severe elderly care crisis, with over 48,000 people on waiting lists for nursing homes and care houses, prompting proposals for a dedicated state Elderly Care Fund.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-faces-elderly-care-crisis-with-massive-waiting-lists

### 2026-10-18: Bulgaria expands elderly care facilities amid 5,000-person shortage

Bulgaria has built 250 new elderly care homes via the Recovery and Resilience Plan, yet over 5,000 people remain on waiting lists for placement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-expands-elderly-care-facilities-amid-5000-person-shortage

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Cite as: Elderly care capacity challenges in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/elderly-care-capacity-challenges-in-europe