Middle-class elderly without a safety net: neither spots in social homes nor pensions that cover private care

Middle-class elderly in Portugal face financial strain due to insufficient pensions and a lack of available care home placements. The average pension covers only a fraction of the costs for private or social care, leading families to consider selling property to afford care. With over 800,000 people aged 80 and above and only about 100,000 care beds available, the situation is dire. Many families are forced to pay above their budget for care, and the pressure often leads to hasty decisions regarding residential placement. The CEO of Via Senior suggests that a government subsidy, similar to a senior voucher system, could alleviate some of the financial burdens on families.