Luxembourg Launches Pilot Project to Support Older People After Hospitalisation

On Tuesday 15 September 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception and Ministry of Health and Social Security presented the “Out of Hospital” pilot project, an initiative aimed at providing better support for older people following a hospital stay.

Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception Max Hahn and Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez outlined the objectives of the new scheme. According to the ministries, it is intended for older people whose health condition has stabilised after hospitalisation, but who are not yet able to return home immediately or who still need to determine the accommodation solution best suited to their situation. The project offers them a safe and supervised environment within accommodation facilities for older people, promoting the recovery of their independence and preparation for their return home or, where appropriate, their admission to a residential facility.

“With the ‘Out of Hospital’ project, we want to offer older people the time and support they need to recover in good conditions and make informed decisions about their future. Hospitalisation can represent a real disruption in an older person's life. It is therefore essential to offer them the time and means to prepare for the next steps, without pressure and in an appropriate setting,” stated Minister Hahn.

“Healthcare does not stop at the hospital door. Our responsibility is to guarantee every patient genuine continuity of care, including when hospitalisation is no longer necessary but a return home is not yet possible. With ‘Out of Hospital’, we are moving our system towards more integrated, more flexible care that is truly organised around the patient's needs,” emphasised Minister Deprez.

The pilot project will be implemented between 2026 and 2029 and will undergo a final evaluation. It is based on close cooperation between accommodation facilities for older people, hospitals and the competent public authorities. The first 36 units, distributed across four facilities throughout the country, will be able to welcome their first beneficiaries from 1 October 2026.

The ministries noted that nine applications have been submitted so far by seven operators of accommodation facilities for older people, representing a total of 66 beds. Further applications may be submitted throughout the project to join the initiative.

The stay under the project will be limited to eight weeks, with the possibility of an extension, subject to justification, to twelve weeks. Each participating facility must have a dedicated unit comprising at least six beds and conclude a cooperation agreement with a hospital to ensure continuity of medical follow-up and support for beneficiaries.

According to the ministries, the project aims to improve the care pathway for older people following hospitalisation, reduce avoidable hospital readmissions, promote better-prepared admissions to accommodation facilities and strengthen collaboration between the hospital, medico-social and home care sectors.

The Ministry of Family Affairs will finance the project to the amount of €3.2 million per year for the period 2026-2029. An interinstitutional steering committee will monitor its implementation using specific indicators to assess actual needs, the profile of beneficiaries, and the costs and benefits of the model.