where expats get local

English-Speaking Elderly Care Services in Lisbon

Navigating the complexities of elderly care can be a daunting task. Whether you're seeking compassionate caregivers who understand your loved one's unique needs or a professional service that speaks your language fluently, we connect you with trusted experts dedicated to enhancing seniors' quality of life. Skip the worry and explore a network of experienced caregivers who prioritize empathy, safety, and tailored support, making caregiving a seamless experience for families everywhere.

Discover compassionate elderly care tailored to your needs.

Top businesses in Elderly Care Services

Reviewed by Lau, Community Manager · Last reviewed: June 2026

Latest reviews for elderly care services in Lisbon

10

Anonymous

Quarteira, Algarve on Feb 2025

I’ve had 24-7 live-in care for my wife, who is in an advanced stage of frontotemporal dementia, and it has relieved a burden I couldn’t cope with on my own. The carers live on site, anticipate her needs, help with simple movement and massage, and administer medication when needed, plus they coordinate a doctor who visits the house. Communication with Hilde and the lead nurse Jo has been straightforward, and when our main carer has time off, they send someone competent to take over. Some carers are better than others, but overall the service met my expectations and the price feels manageable and fair compared to putting her in a care home.

10

Jef

Costa Marina on Feb 2025

I got in touch with SAR through a doctor after my dad had a stroke, and Hilde and the team reacted very quickly - they went to his home in Castelmarin, got him into the Gambellas private hospital, and then set up 24-7 in-home care. We now have a rotating team of three caretakers in the house, including help for my stepmother who is developing dementia, and they are available, open, transparent, and give proper feedback. It took some adjusting having people living in the house and there were a couple of carers my father couldn’t get on with, but SAR found the right fit and so far so good - we are human. Price feels fair compared to what I could get back home, and while nothing in this kind of care is ever perfect, I’m very happy with the service.

10

Illana

Lagos on Feb 2025

I hired them for 24-7 home care for my husband with Alzheimer’s and blindness. They did everything - fed him, cleaned him, cooked, stayed with him - and even found a caregiver who speaks our language, which was a huge relief. We’ve been with them for over a year, and everyone who came was good, very communicative and helpful, and they also connected us with the right people for doctors and medicine when we didn’t know where to start. In a very difficult time they really saved us and went far beyond my expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of elderly care can expats find in Lisbon?
Lisbon offers in‑home care, live‑in and 24‑hour home care, companionship, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, respite care, and palliative or post‑hospital support. You can also arrange registered nurse home visits, medication management, wound care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy at home. Services are available across central Lisbon and surrounding districts.
How can I find an English-speaking caregiver in Lisbon?
Many caregivers and agencies in Lisbon offer English-speaking support, with some bilingual in Spanish, French, or German. Ask for proof of language proficiency, conduct interviews in English, and request references from English-speaking clients. Most providers are reachable via WhatsApp or phone for quick screening and availability checks.
How much does home care for seniors cost in Lisbon?
Indicative rates often range from €9, €18 per hour for in‑home care, depending on experience, timing (nights/weekends) and care complexity. Live‑in support can be roughly €1,000, €2,200 per month, while nurse visits may run €25, €50 and home physiotherapy €30, €60. Prices are set by providers and paid directly to them; directories typically don’t list rates.
How are caregivers vetted and how do I check quality?
Review recent client feedback, ask for references, and verify training or specialist experience (e.g., dementia, mobility support). Request proof of identity and background checks, confirm supervision or clinical oversight when relevant, and consider a trial shift. Consistently high review scores and clear communication are strong quality signals.
How quickly can I arrange elderly home care after a hospital discharge?
If you have a discharge summary and care plan ready, many providers can start within 24, 72 hours. Share medication lists, mobility needs, and any equipment requirements upfront to speed scheduling. For complex cases, agencies may prioritise an assessment visit before assigning a suitable caregiver.
What questions should I ask a caregiver or agency before hiring in Lisbon?
Ask about experience with your loved one’s needs (dementia, fall prevention, catheter care), language skills, availability, night or weekend cover, and emergency back‑up. Clarify duties, medication management, care notes, and how progress is communicated. Confirm minimum hours, cancellation terms, and whether care can scale up or down.
What’s the difference between a caregiver and a nurse home visit in Lisbon?
Caregivers (companions or home carers) assist with daily living, personal care, meal prep, companionship and light household tasks. Registered nurses handle clinical needs such as wound care, injections and post‑operative monitoring. Many families combine daily caregiver support with periodic nurse visits for medical tasks.
Is specialist dementia or Alzheimer’s care available at home in Lisbon?
Yes. Many providers offer dementia‑trained carers who focus on routines, orientation, safety, and gentle behaviour support at home. Services can include 24‑hour home care, respite cover for family, and coordination with nurses or therapists. Ask about past cases, de‑escalation techniques, and regular care reviews.
Can seniors get physiotherapy or occupational therapy at home in Lisbon?
Home visits from qualified physiotherapists and occupational therapists are widely available in Lisbon. They support mobility, balance, post‑hospital rehabilitation, and home adaptations to reduce falls. Caregivers can follow exercise plans between sessions, but clinical assessment and therapy should be delivered by licenced professionals.
How are contracts, payments and cancellations usually handled for elderly care in Lisbon?
Agencies and independent carers typically outline duties, schedules, minimum hours and cancellation windows in a simple service agreement. Payments are made directly to the provider, and rates are set by them. Always request written terms covering holidays, emergency cover and how to adjust hours as needs change.

Selecting the right elderly care service is a critical decision that can significantly impact the well-being of your loved ones. Prioritizing effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and personalized care are vital for ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment. By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you’ll position yourself to find a provider that not only meets the practical needs of your elderly family members but also respects their individuality and preferences. With thoughtful consideration and a proactive approach, you can foster a positive caregiving experience that enhances both safety and happiness in their lives.

Dos and Don’ts as an expat

Key dos and don’ts for choosing the best elderly care for your loved one

Do’s
Do Look for Personalized Care Solutions
Seek elderly care providers who prioritize personalized care by ensuring that they assign caregivers best suited to meet specific needs, such as language preferences or medical conditions. This enhances communication and overall comfort for the elderly.
Do Evaluate Responsiveness and Communication
Choose a service that demonstrates excellent responsiveness from the outset, ensuring timely assessments and updates. Strong communication is crucial in keeping family members informed and involved in their loved one's care journey.
Do Consider Adaptability in Care Services
Find elderly care services that show flexibility in adjusting caregiver assignments to match unique family needs. Adaptability in service provision ensures the comfort and happiness of your elderly loved ones while maintaining high-quality care.
Do Research Quality vs. Affordability
Look for providers that offer a balance between high-quality care and affordability. Understanding cost structures ensures you can find quality service that fits your budget without compromising necessary care standards.
Dont’s
Don't Settle for Poor Communication
Effective communication is crucial in elderly care. Ensure that the service provider has a clear communication strategy in place and is responsive to your inquiries. Lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings about care plans and your loved one's needs.
Don't Ignore Cultural and Language Needs
When selecting an elderly care provider, consider the cultural and language preferences of your loved one. Assigning caregivers who can communicate fluently with the patient can significantly enhance their comfort and the effectiveness of care.
Don't Skimp on Background Checks
The safety of your loved one should be paramount. Ensure that the provider conducts thorough background checks and vetting processes for all caregivers to prevent any potential risks associated with care staff.
Don't Overlook Flexibility in Care Plans
Beware of service providers that offer inflexible care plans. The needs of elderly patients can change rapidly, and it's essential to have a provider that can adapt services and caregiver assignments to meet individual needs effectively.