Parliament approves Statute for Older People, enforcement gaps noted
Parliament approved a Statute for Older People that consolidates rights—priority in queues, protection from violence and the right to age at home—but commentators say it largely compiles existing rules without providing enforcement tools, clear carer regulation or pay for carers. Observers call it an improvement but warn it may not change on-the-ground care without implementation measures. Expats caring for elderly relatives should not expect immediate new benefits and should follow guidance from local health and social services on available support.
The Statute for Older People is a legal framework that gathers rights for older adults—such as protection from violence, priority access to certain services and support to age at home—but critics say it largely compiles rights without strong enforcement tools. For expats with older relatives in Portugal, it sets helpful standards but you may still need to engage local social services, health providers or legal advice to ensure those rights are realised.
