Thousands of elderly people and persons with disabilities across Bulgaria have been able to continue to live independently in their own homes while benefiting from professional care – thanks to Home Care, a strategic project financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

By offering integrated health and social services directly to people where they live, the project helps some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens maintain their independence and dignity. From food deliveries and health consultations to psychological support and assistance with daily tasks, Home Care ensures that help is close at hand wherever it is needed.

Expanding support across the country

Launched with the goal of supporting 31 000 people, Home Care quickly grew beyond expectations. Thanks to the commitment of municipalities and frontline workers, the project reached more than 44 000 elderly people and personswith disabilities across 229 municipalities.

Nearly 16 000 home helpers were recruited and trained to deliver care, making it one of Bulgaria’s largest efforts to provide mobile health and social services. The project’s budget of nearly €138 million from the ESF+ was put to work effectively, showing how European funding can strengthen community services.

A closer look: making a difference in Kostinbrod

The municipality of Kostinbrod is a clear example of how Home Care made a real difference on the ground. Here, a full professional team was set up – including nurses, social workers, home assistants, rehabilitation therapists, psychologists and drivers. Their work covered a wide range of support: delivering food and essentials, providing psychological counselling, giving health advice, and helping people manage daily tasks. 

Although the original plan was to support 90 people, Kostinbrod’s team succeeded in reaching 131 elderly people and persons with disabilities. Nineteen employees were hired and received regular training to maintain high standards of care. Even after the official end of the project in January 2025, services continued without interruption for 27 particularly vulnerable users.

‘Integrated health and social services are extremely important – not just for Kostinbrod, but for the whole region and for Bulgaria,’ said Trayko Mladenov, Mayor of Kostinbrod Municipality. ‘Social services show the European character of a municipality because they succeed in supporting every part of the community. Home Care may be ending in its current form, but people still call on us for help. By supporting the most vulnerable, we give meaning to all our work.’

Looking to the future

Thanks to the support of the ESF+, Bulgaria has shown how strong local action and European funding can work together to make a real difference. Home Care has helped thousands of people live more independently – and with new initiatives already underway, even more may be reached in the years to come.

A new operation – Innovative Health and Social Services – has already been launched, with funding available since December 2024. This next phase will focus even more on personalised support. Municipalities will carry out detailed individual assessments to ensure that everyone receives the right combination of services based on their specific needs.

Natalia Efremova, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, underlined the importance of this approach, assuring that ‘no one in need will be left behind.’