According to the latest PMR report: “The Geriatric Care Market in Poland 2020: Investment Plans and a Comparative Analysis by Province,” care for the elderly in Poland is concentrated in social welfare homes, which are part of the public system. In recent years, however, the demand for private nursing homes for seniors has been growing.

A market dominated by public institutions

Social welfare homes (DPS) account for 43% of the total number of long-term care facilities for the elderly and provide over 60% of the beds. This means that they are mostly large facilities. In this case, size does not always go hand in hand with the quality of services. Therefore, as our analysis shows, the number of facilities where residents must pay for their stay out of their own pockets (rather than through the National Health Fund or their retirement benefits) has been growing rapidly in recent years. In return, patients receive, among other things, a smaller room and numerous amenities and services, such as relaxation and beauty areas, as well as suites for couples designed like apartments. The rapid growth of private facilities in recent years has mainly involved so-called 24-hour care facilities, which make up the majority of the nearly 700 private facilities operating in Poland. It is worth noting, however, that a large proportion of residents in state-run nursing homes will never become clients of private facilities due to their limited financial resources.

The smallest towns in northeastern Poland

An analysis conducted by PMR of facilities providing commercial services for seniors shows that the smallest facilities in terms of the number of beds are located in northeastern Poland, in the Pomeranian, Warmian-Masurian, and Podlaskie provinces (36–37 beds per facility). At the same time, according to our projections, these are the provinces where the population will grow the fastest through 2030. These provinces may face a significant challenge in providing care for the elderly in the future.

The highest average number of beds in care facilities is found in the Lubuskie Voivodeship (61). This province has a relatively small number of 24-hour care facilities (32% of centers compared to the Polish average of 47%), which are characterized by a small number of beds.

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Hume’s Institute stands for knowledge. PMR Market Experts stands for experience. When we join forces, you gain a competitive edge. See how we can support your business.

Justyna Zagórska

Senior Market Analyst

Industry Report

Pharma & Healthcare

Elderly care market in Poland 2025

Assessment of potential and comparative analysis by voivodship

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