Portugal implements initiatives to support informal caregivers

Various regional and national initiatives in Portugal are being launched to support informal caregivers and elderly populations. In Lisbon, a pilot project has opened 117 vacancies through a Caregiver Fund, allowing caregivers to temporarily leave those in their care to rest while services like day centers or home support take over.

In Seia, a formal protocol has been signed with the Social Security Institute to implement a volunteer pool specifically designed to provide short breaks for recognized caregivers. Similarly, in Serpa, local authorities organized an information session to educate the community on the rights and resources available under the Informal Caregiver Statute.

Other social efforts include the Migrant Food Day in Amarante, which promotes cultural inclusion through gastronomy, and community activities in Santarém aimed at combating social isolation among the elderly through local volunteer networks.