Launch of the "Out of Hospital" pilot project to support older people after a hospital stay

The Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, Max Hahn, and the Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, presented the "Out of Hospital" pilot project, an initiative aimed at providing better support for older people following a hospital stay.

This new scheme is intended for older people whose health has stabilised after a hospital stay but who are not yet able to return home or who still need to determine which living arrangement is best suited to their situation. The project provides them with a safe and supportive environment in residential facilities for older people, helping them to regain their independence and prepare for their return home or, where appropriate, their move into residential care.

"With the "Out of Hospital" project, we want to give older people the time and support they need to recover and make informed decisions about their future. A hospital stay can be a major disruption in an older person's life. It is therefore essential to give them the time and means to prepare for the next steps, without pressure and in an appropriate setting," said Max Hahn, Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees.

"Healthcare does not stop at the hospital door. It is our responsibility to ensure continuity of care for every patient, including when hospitalisation is no longer necessary but returning home is not yet possible. With "Out of Hospital", we are moving our system towards more integrated and flexible care that is centred on patients' needs," said Martine Deprez, Minister of Health and Social Security.

The pilot project will run from 2026 to 2029 and will be subject to a final evaluation. It is based on close cooperation between residential facilities for older people, hospitals and the competent public authorities. From 1 October 2026, an initial 36 places will be available across four facilities throughout the country.

To date, nine applications have been submitted by seven operators of residential facilities for older people, representing a total of 66 beds. Further applications may be submitted throughout the duration of the project to join the initiative.

A transition phase between hospital and home

The stay under the project will be limited to eight weeks, with the possibility of an extension of up to twelve weeks where justified. Each participating facility must have a dedicated unit with at least six beds and enter into a cooperation agreement with a hospital to ensure that those admitted receive continuous medical care and support.

The project has several objectives:

• improve the care pathway for older people following a hospital stay;
• reduce avoidable readmissions to hospital;
• facilitate better preparation for admission to residential facilities;
• strengthen cooperation between the hospital, health and social care, and home care sectors.

The Ministry of Family Affairs will provide funding for the project amounting to EUR 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 those receiving support, and the costs and benefits of the model.

Press release by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees and the Ministry of Health and Social Security