Browse Ageing Policies

The Action plan for the professions of older persons and independent living aims to enhance the attractiveness of professions in care for older persons and autonomy sector, improve working conditions, and address the high demand for recruitment in this field. The policy involves the French Government, specifically the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Insertion, and the Ministry of Solidarity and Health. Key stakeholders include regional health agencies (ARS), Pôle Emploi, and various professional branches within the care for older persons sector. This national policy targets professionals in care for older persons and autonomy, including those working in EHPADs (nursing homes) and home care services. It aims to address the needs of the ageing population across France. The policy includes several key strategies, such a revaluation of salaries with significant salary increases for care workers; urgent recruitment drives resulting in thousands of new hires; enhanced and expanded training opportunities to improve professional qualifications, and initiatives to improve working conditions and reduce job-related stress. Since its adoption, the policy has led to the recruitment of thousands of professionals and significant salary increases, improving the sector's attractiveness. The policy was adopted in October 2020.

The CDI inclusion policy aims to provide stable employment for individuals aged 57 and above who face significant social and professional challenges. It seeks to facilitate their transition from temporary to permanent employment within the framework of economic activity inclusion (IAE). The policy involves Structures for Integration through Economic Activity (SIAE), including Enterprises for Integration (EI), Temporary Work Integration Enterprises (ETTI), Intermediate Associations (AI), and Workshops and Integration Projects (ACI). The French Government, particularly the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Integration, is a key stakeholder. The policy targets individuals aged 57 and above who have completed at least 12 months in an IAE pathway. It is implemented nationwide, affecting various sectors where SIAE operate. The CDI inclusion allows SIAE to offer permanent contracts to eligible individuals. It includes financial aid, calculated based on hours worked, to support these contracts. The policy also sets a limit on the proportion of CDI inclusion contracts within each SIAE, with possible exceptions granted by the prefect. The policy was adopted on December 14, 2020, with various measures coming into effect from December 16, 2020, and full implementation starting on September 1, 2021.

The Law No. 2016-87 of 2 February 2016 creates new rights for the sick and for people at the end of life aims to create new rights for patients and individuals at the end of life, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support. The main institution involved in its implementation is the French Government, namely the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Women's Rights. Key stakeholders include healthcare professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, caregivers, and clinical psychologists. This policy affects the healthcare sector across France, targeting patients and individuals nearing the end of life. It mandates the inclusion of palliative care education in the initial and ongoing training of healthcare professionals. The law introduces several key features, such as mandatory training for healthcare professionals on palliative care, several enhancements to patient rights, including the right to refuse treatment, and the establishment of advance healthcare directives to respect patients' wishes. Regarding observed impacts, as of now, the law has led to increased awareness and integration of palliative care in medical training and practice. The law was adopted on February 2, 2016.

The "Tested and Approved by Seniors" label was created in April 2016 by AFNOR, the French standards association. The label is managed by AFNOR Certification at the national level, in collaboration with laboratories like Calyxis and Medialis, as part of efforts to support ageing in place and improve older persons' quality of life. Considering various criteria (unpacking of the product, ease of installation and use, intuitiveness of handling), this label indicates to consumers that the product is ergonomic, adapted to the abilities of the greatest number of people and in particular older persons. It is issued following a series of tests carried out by people aged over 60, ergonomists and occupational therapists. It covers a wide range of products, from home goods to technology. Since its creation, many products have obtained this label after passing the tests: telephone, washing machine, application, furniture, lighting system, etc. Companies of the Silver economy sector particularly use this label, which aiming at producing innovative goods and/or services that meet the various needs and expectations of older persons.

The Law n°2015-1776 of 28 December 2015 on the adaptation of society to ageing aims to anticipate the consequences of an ageing population, to improve the daily life of older persons and their caregivers, and to promote their autonomy and participation in society. The law involves various ministries, such as the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Women's Rights, the Ministry of Housing, Territorial Equality and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice. It also involves local authorities, such as the departmental councils and the regional health agencies, as well as various actors from the social and medical-social sector, such as service providers, professionals, associations, and users. It targets people aged 60 and over, especially those who are in a situation of dependency or vulnerability, as well as their relatives and caregivers. This law includes several measures, such as: creating a new personal autonomy allowance (APA) for people living at home or in institutions; the development of home care and support services, by creating a new status of polyvalent service facilitating access to adapted or social housing; or the creation a new home improvement fund. The law entered into force in 2016.

The Allocation Personnalisée d'Autonomie (APA) was introduced with the objective of improving the support for older persons experiencing loss of autonomy, enabling them to perform daily activities. The policy is overseen by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, and Solidarity, and the Ministry of Health, Family, and Disabled Persons. Key stakeholders include older persons, healthcare providers, and social services. The APA targets older persons aged 60 and above, particularly those classified in GIR 1 to 4, indicating varying levels of dependency. It covers both those living at home and in care facilities across France. The APA provides financial assistance for home care services, technical aids, and minor home modifications. The amount of aid is determined by the individual's level of dependency and financial resources. Implementation involves assessments by a medico-social team and the creation of personalized care plans. As of June 2002, 299,000 older persons have benefited from the APA, with 65% residing in care facilities. The average monthly aid for home care is 515 euros, with 95% covered by the Conseil Général. The APA was adopted on January 1, 2002.