Tuesday March 19th, 2024
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New Law Waives Living Cost of Care Homes for the Elderly

The new law safeguards holistic care for the elderly, encompassing pensions, exemption from transportation, psychological care and rehabilitation.

Cairo Scene

Parliament has approved a new law to ease the burden on Egypt’s aging population. As part of an overhaul of the national systems governing state-funded care, elderly Egyptians without a caretaker will no longer have to pay the cost of living in a care home.


The Ministry of Social Solidarity will roll out security pensions for persons aged 65 or older who suffer from chronic disease or a disability, and have no source of income or insurance pension.


In addition to building nursing homes, Egypt will open social clubs and establish a written decree protecting the rights of the elderly.


Looking to offer comprehensive services to one of the country’s most vulnerable populations, the ministry will also provide educational opportunities for those seeking to continue learning from the preparatory level to higher education through the General Authority for Adult Education.


Catering to the needs of the elderly, Egypt has expanded the scope and coverage of its social protection programs, increasing funding of governmental social care institutions and easing access to healthcare. Community-building is at the core of the new policies, with plans to organize an annual community dialogue and encourage participation in arts and culture already underway.


The new law safeguards holistic care for the elderly, encompassing pensions, exemption from transportation, psychological care and rehabilitation. To oversee these new services, the Ministry of Social Solidarity is also establishing the ‘Elderly Care Fund’ which will also offer legal services.