The law proposal for “successful aging” was definitively adopted on March 27, with a plan for a financial programming law for the elderly to be presented by the end of 2024. While this was a positive step, there was concern about the lack of a comprehensive law specifically addressing the issues related to the elderly. Despite the initial enthusiasm expressed by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne regarding the programming law, it is not currently on the government’s agenda under Gabriel Attal. The Minister Delegate for the Elderly and Disabled, Fadila Khattabi, defended this decision but was unable to provide details on the method or timeline for the process.
While many groups expressed disappointment that the government’s commitment to a comprehensive elderly care reform seemed to have been abandoned, six out of nine groups in the Senate did vote in favor of the law proposal. This was a broader support than seen in the National Assembly, with only the Communist group voting against. Notably, the Republican senators, who had previously abstained during a previous reading, voted in favor of the proposal this time. The law includes measures that are expected to have a positive impact on the daily lives of the elderly, according to Senator Jean Sol, one of the co-rapporteurs of the proposal.
One of the key aspects of the proposal that received widespread support was the establishment of a departmental public service for autonomy. This would provide a single access point for elderly and disabled individuals to access a range of services in their local area. The aim is to have this service operational nationwide by 2025, with eighteen departments already expressing interest in piloting this initiative to streamline the administrative process for families. Additionally, measures to combat abuse of elderly individuals, particularly in light of the isolation experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, were also highlighted as crucial elements of the proposal.
The need for more comprehensive legislation to address the challenges of aging population was emphasized during the final reading of the law proposal in the Senate. Despite the positive aspects of the proposal, the lack of a concrete plan for a comprehensive law specifically addressing the elderly remains a concern. The proposal includes measures that are expected to improve the lives of elderly individuals, such as the creation of a single access point for services and efforts to combat abuse. However, the absence of a clear timeline or method for the implementation of a programming law focused on the elderly raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing these important issues.
