Portugal senior home costs force families to exceed budgets

A recent Portuguese study on senior residential care shows that more than half of households exceed their initially planned budgets to secure a placement for an elderly relative. The average price for a double room now stands at about €1,700 per month, while a single room averages €1,900, an increase of over €200 compared with the previous year.

Families often have to reorganise their finances, drawing on savings, pensions, or even selling or renting property to meet the higher fees. The pressure is amplified by an ageing population and a limited supply of senior‑care facilities, making it increasingly difficult for families to find affordable options.