Selecting a care facility in Turkey today is far more complex than for previous generations. With monthly fees ranging from 15,000 TL to 78,975 TL in 2025, price alone is no indicator of quality. The Ministry of Family and Social Services' rigorous inspection protocol sets high headline standards — but real quality differences lie in day-to-day operational details.
3 Facility Types: State, Municipal, Private
| Type | Admission Priority | Cost | Waiting Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| State (Huzurevi) | Social investigation + poverty certificate | Free – low fee | Long (years possible) |
| Municipal (IBB etc.) | Local residency + mixed income model | Moderate – mixed pricing | Moderate (months) |
| Private | Immediate placement by care level | 15,000 – 120,000 TL/month | Usually immediate |
Ministry Inspection Physical Standards
Each facility is inspected at least twice annually by announced and unannounced visits. Legal minimum physical standards include:
| Standard | Legal Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single room | 9–12 m² (excluding bathroom) |
| Double room | 16–18 m² (excluding bathroom) |
| Ceiling height | Minimum 2.60 metres |
| Door width | Standard 80 cm; Special Care 90 cm |
| Call system | Mandatory at each bedside and in bathrooms |
| Outdoor space | Min. 3 m² garden/outdoor area per resident |
| Staff ratio | Standard: 1 carer per 15 residents; Special Care: 1 per 10 |
Pre-Visit Family Checklist
✓Request the Opening Permit (Açılış İzin Belgesi) and latest Ministry inspection report
✓Observe actual staff-to-resident ratio during off-peak hours (evenings/weekends)
✓Verify care staff hold MEB or university-approved 400-hour certification
✓Ask about doctor visit frequency and medical emergency protocols
✓Confirm monthly fee does not exceed the 2025 Ministry ceiling (Istanbul: 78,975 TL)
✓Clarify extra costs: are medications, incontinence products, and special medical equipment billed separately?
✓Review the deposit refund policy and contract exit conditions
✓Ask if the building has an earthquake safety report and fire clearance
✓Find a reference family in the area and ask about their real experience
✓Ask about the complaint mechanism — how to report to the Ministry
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ALO 183 provides social-support information and guidance, including reports of elder neglect or abuse. Ask the relevant provincial directorate about facility licensing.
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Government Helpline: ALO 183
Available 24/7 for free information on state-supported care services, SGK coverage and elderly rights.