William B. Says:
What are the long-term care options in Portugal?
IL Contributor Terry Coles Writes:
I wouldn’t recommend relocating to a country if you’re close to needing hospice, long-term, or assisted care arrangements. One issue, of course, is the language barrier, even in the best of circumstances.
However, things happen, and it is possible that a situation could arise for any of us that necessitates finding long-term care we had not planned on. In that case, Portugal is not a bad place to be.
There is a program for medical professionals that provides an internationally recognized and respected certification in elder care. So, if you were to need long-term care, you would be in professional and capable hands.
The quality of care will vary according to your budget.
The social security system has arrangements with various facilities throughout the country, especially, but not exclusively, with Santa Casa da Misericórdia. This is an organization that blends church and state a bit and helps the less fortunate of the country. Most expats would never find themselves qualified to use this service, nor would they want to.
There are, however, many private facilities available, as that’s what the vast majority of Portuguese would use themselves. There is everything from elder daycare (and night care) locations, to in-home nurse visits, to in-home 24-hour care, to full-time assisted care facilities.
Costs for those vary depending on the quality of service and surroundings. In a big city, you may pay about $1,725 a month for a private room at a slightly above average facility, food and activities included. In a smaller town, the same care runs about $1,100 a month.
Medical care is available at an additional cost, and transportation is available for a nominal charge to a hospital or other treatment center (for example, for physical therapy, at $10 a session).
But bear in mind, you cannot count on English-speaking caretakers, so your Portuguese should be well in hand.
Read more about healthcare in Portugal here.
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