After years of anticipation, Tres Cantos will be part of the Community of Madrid's new plan to establish a center that will not only provide housing but also specialized care and affordable places. This initiative addresses a long-standing demand from residents for care options that are not solely dependent on the private sector and are available within the municipality itself.
This new facility is part of Plan 40-40, a strategy by the Community of Madrid aimed at overhauling the care system before the end of this decade. For Tres Cantos, this means solidifying its position as a place where not only young people thrive, but where a dignified old age with quality services close to home is also guaranteed.
“"Years ago, we embarked on a path that was not always easy. There were moments of uncertainty, but we never stopped fighting and keeping our commitment to seniors and their families alive. Today, that commitment becomes a reality."
Securing a public place today often involves a labyrinth of procedures and endless waiting lists. Tres Cantos' entry into this regional program aims to break this bottleneck. The project did not emerge from nowhere; it is the result of a long period of "push and pull" between the City Council and the regional government to ensure the city was not left out of this resource allocation.
The Community of Madrid has committed to building 40 new residences and 40 day centers by 2030. This represents an investment of over 500 million euros to create approximately 8,000 places across the region. Nearly half of these places will be 100% public, with the remainder managed by companies but supported by direct aid to ensure affordability. Tres Cantos joins other neighboring municipalities in this endeavor, aiming to alleviate families' primary concern about the lack of space when professional care is needed.
One of the most interesting aspects of this new residence is its departure from traditional models. The focus is now on coexistence units, aiming to create a home-like environment for seniors, albeit with medical and nursing staff readily available. The center will provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's or other cognitive issues, as well as intensive care to prevent unnecessary hospital emergency visits. Additionally, it will feature intergenerational spaces designed to keep seniors connected with younger generations and neighborhood life, combating loneliness.
The construction of this center will not only benefit those in need of a place but also create new employment opportunities in the socio-health sector within Tres Cantos. For families, having a public residence in the municipality will simplify daily logistics and work-life balance, allowing for frequent and easy visits without extensive travel. In essence, Tres Cantos is preparing for the future, ensuring a modern and public center for its aging population.
