The transition from institutional to community-based services constitutes a key policy goal for the EU. There are still over 1.4M persons living in institutions across the EU, including persons with disabilities, mental health problems, older people or vulnerable children. Investing in community-based services, countries can make longer-term savings in other policy areas; for example, quality services in the community will lead to better health outcomes for individuals, which in turn will reduce their use of health services and the burden on health budgets.

Public authorities can build an enabling environment through raising awareness and informing relevant stakeholders; combatting stigmatisation and alienation; and committing the necessary structures, human resources and funding. At the same time, they can contribute to the elaboration of a regulatory framework towards a rationalised, integrated care system that will boost beneficiaries’ service satisfaction and save public funds.