Temporary stays in senior residences and nursing homes

With the arrival of summer, reality repeats itself: families seek support for their elderly, and temporary use of senior residences and nursing homes increases significantly. The increasing pressure associated with this seasonal phenomenon cannot be ignored, as it poses significant challenges not only for families but also for institutions and professionals in the sector.

Via Senior's latest study reveals that temporary placements increase by approximately 82% during the summer months, compared to the average for the rest of the year. June, July, and August have the highest rates (30%, 34%, and 31%), while months like January and November see demand more associated with permanent solutions (9% and 10%), and much lower for temporary stays.

This seasonal increase exposes several realities, not only those related to caregivers but also to the responsiveness of facilities that accommodate seniors. First, many caregivers, whether family, friends, or professionals, want (and need) a period of rest, so the need to provide a reliable alternative solution for seniors becomes more evident during the summer, allowing regular caregivers to take their vacations. It's also worth noting that these stays serve as a trial run: they're an opportunity to confirm that the elderly relative feels comfortable in the Senior Residence or Nursing Home environment and is adapting to the new routine. Given the significant increase in quality seen in recent years in facilities, services, and personal attention to residents, currently more than 15% of these temporary stays become permanent.

Bed availability in these ERPI (Residential Facilities for the Elderly) is scarce, making the lack of vacancies a real concern. In many regions of the country, these units are very close to capacity, ultimately prioritizing permanent admissions, avoiding the inherent instability in their internal management and excessive user turnover. In fact, the study reveals a significant regional disparity: districts such as Leiria, Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Viseu have a higher percentage of temporary stay placements (mainly due to a greater supply), while districts such as Faro, Beja, Guarda, and Castelo Branco (with less supply) have a very low or no placement rate, as beds are mostly allocated to long-term stays.

This reality further highlights the limitations of the sector's accommodation capacity and the need for public policies that encourage increased capacity among senior care providers. Without an expansion of supply to meet needs and growing demand, many families will continue to face difficulties and have to choose residences that are out of step with their preferences and even needs. This is especially true when the service request is made urgently, due to a worsening health condition, hospital discharge, or other emergency.

Families should review available options as far in advance as possible and confirm the characteristics of the units, the services offered, the monthly fees, and availability, using online information in particular. They should also visit the units to confirm the on-site atmosphere and understand, among other things, how staff interact with residents and their satisfaction with the activities provided.

Despite all these challenges, the sector is witnessing a very positive transformation. As mentioned, the quality and diversity of the offerings have been increasing, and more and more residences across the country offer hotel-like features, with a wide variety of amenities such as common and game rooms, a library, a chapel, a garden, a swimming pool, and recovery rooms, among others. A variety of leisure, cognitive stimulation, and social activities are also offered. Medical and nursing support is also available to ensure the most vulnerable residents are monitored. This development, however, is unknown to most families, who often end up not finding the solution that best suits their needs.

Summer can be an opportunity to think consciously and informedly about elderly care. And if necessary, it's the right time to start your research. You'll be confident that you'll find a senior residence that suits your family's preferences, such as location and budget, and the needs and profile of the elderly individual, such as the services required for their physical and cognitive needs.