BLOG | What is LAPAD and how to apply for dependency recognition

When a person begins to lose independence in everyday activities, many families ask themselves: what resources are available to us? One of the main avenues is the Law on the Promotion of Personal Independence and Care for Dependent Persons (LAPAD).

In this blog, we explain in a clear and practical way what LAPAD is, who can apply for it, and what steps must be taken to access the resources and benefits it offers.

What is LAPAD?

Law 39/2006, of 14 December, on the promotion of personal autonomy and care for dependent persons, is a state law that guarantees support for people who have lost their autonomy due to age, illness or disability. In Catalonia, its application depends on the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion.

LAPAD assesses a person’s degree of dependency based on their ability to carry out basic activities of daily living (hygiene, eating, mobility, orientation, decision-making, etc.). Based on this assessment, appropriate services or financial assistance can be assigned.

Who can apply?

To apply, you must be in a situation of dependency and have resided in Spain for at least five years, two of which must be consecutive and immediately prior to the application.

The application can be submitted online (with digital identification) or in person at the registry offices or Social Affairs and Family Offices (OAC).

How is the assessment carried out?

The Dependency Assessment Service (SEVAD) is made up of social work and healthcare professionals who visit the home or centre where the applicant lives.

The Dependency Assessment Scale (BVD) is used to assess the applicant’s ability to perform basic activities and the frequency of support required. The degree of dependency is determined according to the score:

• Degree I: moderate dependency (25-49 points).
• Degree II: severe dependency (50-74 points).
• Degree III: high dependency (75-100 points).

The Individual Care Programme (PIA)

Once the degree of dependency has been recognised, the municipal social services draw up the PIA, which defines the most appropriate resources. It may include:

• Services: telecare, home care, day centres, nursing homes…
• Financial benefits: linked to services, for care in the family environment or personal assistance.

This plan can be revised if the person’s health or family and financial situation changes.

Review

A review of the degree of dependency may be requested when there has been a change (improvement or deterioration) in the situation of dependency since the last decision was made six months ago, except in cases where a deterioration in the person’s state of health is proven by submitting a new medical report or by providing new information that was not initially taken into account.

A review of the PIA may also be requested if any of the following conditions are met:

• Change in family or social environment.
• Changes in the degree of dependency.
• Changes in financial situation, assets, etc.
• Changes in the objectives or resources of the service.

Where can I request further information?

For further information about this assistance, please contact:

• Municipal Social Services.
• Social Work at the CAP (Primary Care Centre).
• Social Affairs and Family Offices (OASF).
• Social Rights and Inclusion Offices.
• Generalitat Social Rights Website: Access to the procedure.
• By calling 012.

Ace and its commitment to families and carers

At Ace, we work daily to improve the emotional well-being of patients and families and to prevent caregiver overload, through awareness-raising and by offering direct, clear and useful information to carers.

If you have any questions about the LAPAD, please write to us at treballsocial@fundacioace.org.

Susanna Seguer

Social Worker at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona