Assumpta Serna denounces the "years of delay" of the system of dependence in Catalonia: "It is neither human nor fair"

Assumpta Serna, a Spanish actress caring for her 100-year-old mother, has publicly criticized the slow and inefficient support system for elderly care in Catalonia through a video posted on social media. She described the situation as “neither human nor fair,” highlighting the systemic delays and bureaucratic hurdles faced by families seeking assistance. Her remarks have sparked widespread discussion about the state of elderly care services in the region. Serna shared a video in which she detailed how her application for home-based care was processed over the course of more than a year, resulting in just 64 hours of monthly assistance, a far cry from the 24-hour care her mother requires. The delay, she explained, reflects years of backlogs dating back to 2017, during which the assessment of dependency levels remained unresolved. In August, the service was reportedly closed, with no response to phone calls or emails, prompting her sarcastic remark that it seemed as though officials were taking a break from their duties during the summer months. In addition to the procedural delays, Serna pointed out the lack of access to directly hiring caregivers, instead being forced to contract approved companies that take large commissions. These companies, she claims, often employ caregivers who lack the necessary qualifications. This system, she argued, treats older citizens, many of whom have worked throughout their lives, as a burden rather than individuals deserving of proper care. She emphasized that the current structure prioritizes other age groups, leaving vulnerable seniors in a precarious position. The video, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views, initially circulated two days ago. On Saturday, Serna released another video expressing gratitude for the public’s response and stating that a political figure had promised to contact her in September. However, she noted that the focus of her campaign has shifted beyond her personal case. Now, she aims to address a broader issue affecting many Catalans and Spaniards alike. Her efforts reflect a growing awareness among the public regarding the inadequacies of the current support framework. According to recent data from the State Dependency Observatory, Spain currently has 255,302 individuals awaiting some type of resolution related to dependency services. Of these, 108,908 are waiting for assessments, while 146,394 are awaiting recognized benefits or services. Furthermore, the observatory reported that 15,450 people died between January and June 2026 while waiting for decisions. These figures underscore the severity of the crisis, particularly within the healthcare and social welfare sectors. Serna’s case is emblematic of a larger problem facing elderly populations in Catalonia. Her advocacy highlights the urgent need for reform, including increased funding for home-based care and better-trained professionals. While her actions have drawn attention to the issue, they also reveal the deep-rooted challenges within the existing infrastructure. As the debate continues, the pressure on policymakers to improve the system grows stronger.