Relatives in Spanish care homes may not be able to choose their own bed time

A recent census of Spanish care homes has revealed that residents may not always be able to choose their own bed time. The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumo y Agenda 2030 conducted its second full count of residential care centres, which include homes for older people and homes for people with disabilities. The census, conducted by the Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (Imserso), found that 46.9% of the 7,893 centres allowed residents to decide when to go to bed and get up.

The rest of the centres had a set schedule for the whole home. This gap between having a written personalised care plan and actually letting someone choose their own hours highlights the discrepancy between expectations and reality. The census, conducted using the same standard across regions for the first time, also found that fewer than half of residents had a private room, and the majority of centres were privately owned.

The census was conducted a week after Spain approved its biggest overhaul of dependency and disability law in 20 years, aimed at people cared for at home rather than in residential settings. However, the law does not address what happens once someone moves into a care home. Experts recommend asking directly and specifically about a home's routine before signing any contract.