Madrid expands care networks to help seniors age in rural towns
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The Madrid regional government will continue funding its ‘Cuídame’ program, investing 1.5 million euros to support seniors and stimulate economic activity in towns with fewer than 2,500 residents.
The program began as a pilot in 2022, focused on the Sierra Norte region, and later expanded as part of the ‘Pueblos con vida’ initiative in June 2023.
Local governing bodies, known as mancomunidades, can apply for funds to create and maintain care networks offering services like home help, transportation, and social activities for older adults. In addition to senior care, the renewed funding allocates 750,000 euros to projects that foster economic development and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
These funds will support training programs in fields like hospitality, languages, and the arts, aiming to create opportunities for young people and make the towns more attractive places to live and work. Miguel Ángel García Martín, a regional spokesperson, stated that ‘Cuídame’ enables seniors to remain in their communities while also encouraging rural entrepreneurship. Applications for both funding lines will open within 10 business days of publication in the region’s official bulletin.
