Study visit to Slovenia: exploring long-term care systems with the SIMPEC-T project

February 2026 – Kranj, Slovenia

As part of the European SIMPEC-T project, the consortium partners gathered in Kranj, Slovenia, for a study visit focusing on long-term care systems and the challenges associated with an ageing population.

Over the course of several days, this meeting provided an opportunity for European partners to share experiences, discover local initiatives and collectively reflect on the changing nature of roles and skills within the care sector.

A photo gallery of the visit

https://youtu.be/PLR1OcNzDxE

Understanding the Slovenian context

Like many European countries, Slovenia is facing a rapidly ageing population, which is leading to an increased need for care services for people losing their independence.

Our Slovenian partners gave us a warm welcome and presented the key figures and challenges facing the national long-term care system.

The Slovenian system is currently undergoing a transition, with a new legislative framework aimed at improving access to services and strengthening home care. However, several challenges remain, notably staff shortages and the fragmentation of services.

Discussing the process of losing independence

Earlier this week, the partners discussed the experiences of people facing a loss of independence.

The French partners presented, in particular, the GIR scale, which is used in France to assess the level of dependency and organise support services.

These discussions provided an opportunity to compare the existing systems in the various partner countries and to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences between national organisations.

Discovering an integrated service model in Kranj

One of the highlights of the visit was the tour of the public care home in Kranj.

This centre has a particularly interesting organisational structure, as it brings together several services on a single site:

• a care home,

• a day centre,

• home help services,

• as well as a meal delivery service for older people living at home.

This integrated approach enables older people to be supported throughout their lives, with services gradually adapted to their changing needs.

During the visit, the partners also spoke with various professionals in the sector — nurses, care assistants, social workers and activity coordinators — who shared their experiences from the field.

In particular, they emphasised that many of the essential skills of the profession are acquired directly through practical experience, thanks to mentoring and on-the-job training.

Discover innovative initiatives

The week also provided an opportunity to learn about several key initiatives within the Slovenian system.

The Institute for Long-Term Care plays a central role in coordinating and developing the national long-term care system.

The partners also discovered Heroes at Home, a platform that organises and coordinates home care services.

This model is based on a personalised approach: a social worker assesses the person’s needs, draws up a support plan and coordinates interventions with the family and local services.

These initiatives illustrate a significant shift in care policies across Europe: strengthening home-based care and improving coordination between stakeholders within the system.

Reflecting together through co-development

At the end of the week, the partners took part in a co-development workshop.

This collaborative session provided an opportunity to reflect on an issue identified in Slovenia: the lack of bridges between generations and ageing craftspeople, who possess valuable technical expertise but do not always know how to apply these skills in the field of elderly care.

Through collective intelligence, the participants explored various avenues for promoting these skills and strengthening intergenerational ties.

Moments of sharing and camaraderie

Beyond the workshops and visits, this exchange was also marked by numerous informal moments that encouraged interaction between partners.

One of the week’s most memorable moments was when a member of the local chamber of commerce invited us to hop aboard his magnificent vintage bus to take us out for dinner — a unique experience that perfectly reflects the hospitality of our Slovenian partners.

An inspiring conclusion in Bled

The visit concluded in Bled, one of Slovenia’s most iconic locations, with its lake surrounded by mountains.

In this exceptional setting, the partners were able to continue their discussions in an informal setting, reflect on what they had learnt during the week and strengthen cooperation between the participating organisations.

European cooperation in the field of care

This study visit enabled the SIMPEC-T project partners to gain a better understanding of the realities of long-term care systems across Europe.

By sharing their experiences and discovering inspiring practices, the partners are working towards a common goal: to develop innovative solutions and build capacity to better support people who are losing their independence.