Temporary placements in senior residences and nursing homes see a significant increase in the months leading up to and during the summer holiday period.
A study by Via Sénior, an online platform providing information on senior residences and nursing homes, indicates an 82% rise in such requests in July and August compared to the average for the rest of the year.
The latest study by Via Sénior, based on 2024 data, reveals a seasonal upward trend in temporary placements, highlighting the urgency for families to quickly find respite care for regular caregivers.
Demand for Permanent Solutions Higher in January and November
Temporary stays, which accounted for 21% of all placements facilitated by the platform in 2024, are particularly notable in the summer months, with the highest rates of such placements occurring in June, July, and August (30%, 34%, and 31% respectively). Conversely, temporary placements represented only 9% and 10% of the total in January and November, indicating a greater demand for permanent solutions during more stable family periods.
Regionally, Leiria, Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Viseu reported the highest proportions of temporary placements, reaching up to 50%, attributed to both greater availability of vacancies and more affordable local rates. In contrast, senior residences and nursing homes in Beja, Guarda, Castelo Branco, and Faro, due to fewer available beds, predominantly accommodate long-term residents and rarely accept temporary placements.
“During summer, the demand for temporary stays at nursing homes rises significantly, adding pressure on these institutions to adapt with greater flexibility and agility. Whereas the most recent Portrait of Senior Residences in Portugal revealed that by the end of 2024 only 11% of residential structures had vacancies, the situation is even more concerning considering the additional challenges families face in emergencies or seasonal searches, where many residences do not accept temporary entries,” noted Via Sénior CEO Nuno Saraiva de Ponte in a statement.
The study is part of Via Senior’s mission to “promote knowledge about the reality of senior residences in Portugal, aiding families in making the most suitable decisions regarding necessary support for their elderly relatives.”
