Portugal opens 117 caregiver respite slots to support informal caregivers

The Portuguese government opened 117 spots in a pilot project to provide temporary care for people dependent on informal caregivers.

This initiative allows the people who provide unpaid care at home to leave their charges in social service centers so they can rest or attend to their own needs. The project, known as the Bolsa de Cuidadores, launched in January across 18 municipalities in mainland Portugal. It provides access to day centers, activity centers for inclusion, and home support services.

While the law already recognizes the right of informal caregivers to rest, the government says a lack of available spots in residential facilities like nursing homes previously made this difficult to access. Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, stated that the project allows caregivers to step away for health, professional, or emergency reasons.

The rules specify that a caregiver can use the service for a maximum of 7 consecutive hours, and each person being cared for can use these services for up to 56 hours per month. Clara Marques Mendes, the Secretary of State for Social Action and Inclusion, noted that 108 of the 117 spots have been available for about two months. The pilot project will run for one year.

Additionally, the government is testing a home support and health project that has already helped more than 150 people with disabilities or dependency.