thinking money
There are times when the care we think should be provided is beyond the resources of Caring Together.
For example if a patient merits 24 hour care at home, three workers would be required each day and the cost would be around 10.000 € a month. In such a case we think care in a residential home is indicated as this could bring the cost down to 3.000 € a month or less.
If residential care, perhaps over some years, is equally beyond the reach of those concerned, as it often is, we advise family carers to visit a social worker trabajador(a) social, sometimes referred to as an asistente social. Social workers can be found in at least three places (a) in your public health service hospital (b) in your primary healthcare centre and (c) in your town hall.
A social worker will consider your means as well as your needs. If they agree that residential care is appropriate they may be able to find a place for the patient in a home which is qualified to apply for bono-cheques to assist with the cost of care. In other words the regional government may step in and subsidise the care.
If the care requirement is less than 24 hour cover and home care is the favoured option, a social worker may be able to send in carers contracted by your ayuntamiento town hall, provided always that the patient is empadronated, is an official resident of Spain, and has resided in the municipality for a certain length of time.
It sometimes happens that Caring Together is able to supplement the care offered by the town in such a case - often at weekends and during fiestas, when the town’s workers are not available.
Other avenues to explore include, at least for the British, the possibility that a former occupation may lead to eligibility for help.
Any person who has served honorably in the British armed forces should be aware that the British Legion has an obligation to the patient and close family members. Their welfare officers are available up and down the coast. Sometimes they will pass information on to other organisations such as the Royal Air Force Association.
If you have belonged to a trade union, it may be able to provide some assistance - especially if you or your spouse have contributed to a welfare fund during your working years.
If you have life insurance, see our page “viatical sttlements”.
Caring Together and its contracted care agency, Mossaic SL, can help you make the necessary contacts.
Working along these lines certainly helps to conserve Caring Together’s funds. This enables us to offer palliative care to a wider spectrum of the community.
For comparative costs of institutional care and domiciliary care please visit the page “Hospital at home”.
STOP PRESS. Many Spanish hospitals have now (2008) established Unidades de Hospitalización a Domicilio (UHD) whose teams of doctors and nurses can continue the care of a patient who is returning home: it would always be worthwhile to enquire if your loved one qualifies for this service. If no cure is in sight, regular visits to your home by hospital staff may be helpful as an illness takes its course.
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henry on May 19th 2007