thread created from 'off topic' posts from What's your take on the update to "Residency requirements"

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Another reason may be that Spain fears the consequences of having a huge elderly expatriate population on its hands. While some might feel that this is a 'down the road' problem - expat charities such as Age Care Association etc are dealing with huge numbers of non-Spanish citizens (who immigrated to Spain in previous decades) and many of whom are now in poor health and without the financial/medical/social supports to provide care and comfort.

Quite often these unfortunates have never signed on the Padron or have never applied for Residencia and as a consequence they find themselves in a medical/legal limbo. Indeed even those in relatively good health might suffer from loneliness and isolation due to a partners death/divorce etc. It is a major problem that partly informs Spanish immigration policy.

yes, there are some like that - but it's easy enough for them to regularise the situation

if for instance they are UK pensioners, they can get the S1 from the UK - then their healthcare will be covered by the UK & they can register etc etc

it's what quite a lot are now doing

it won't help the social aspect as far as language issues are concerened - but medically & legally they will be fine

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To a point they'll be fine, but putting cost to one side, Spains overall social and pastoral care for the elderly isnt the same or as comprehensive as it is in the UK. ie homecare, welfare needs etc

Jo xxx

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it is there, it isn't that easy to access though if you don't speak the language - & true enough not as extensive as in the UK

I think the main issue for most of these people is language - from a legal/medical/financial point of view they will be fine

but if they don't speak Spanish then from a social/pastoral angle they won't feel cared for

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as comprehensive as it was in the UK. ie homecare, welfare needs etc

Maybe, I'm out of touch with it here now. I just remember when my FIL needed "help" about 6 years ago. His house was crawling with the "OT" team, making sure he had banisters and safety bars everwhere, arranging people to go into his home to bath him, dress him, feed him. They even tried to segregate a corner of his dining room for a commode! He wasnt happy, so I took over his care and he ended up moving in with us - even then the "OT team" were under the misguided idea that they could come into my house and "modify" it to suit his needs (thats another topic!!!!). Cos actually I thought they went over the top and didnt have any idea of his dignity. I guess I'm old fashioned and prefer where possible for families to look after their own - a bit like the Spanish way!

Jo xxx

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One may argue the pros and cons of benefits etc in relation to the UK. Unfortunately language is a barrier and this is is exacerbated by declining health, lack of mobility and social isolation. Many of these people were at one time involved in organisations and clubs e.g. British Legion , golf etc - unfortunately many are now housebound, have no close family or friends and suffer from physical and emotional isolation. Indeed they are often unaware of what few supports are available.

One elderly (formerly very active couple) whom I knew - he had advanced dementia and his wife had a broken hip. Their situation was dire yet somewhat alleviated by a local
age-care organisation - who do wonderful work but also suffer from lack of volunteers - especially those fluent in Spanish.

SWMBO used to work for Soc Serv and in just 3 years (mostly in the last 2), It has gone from a caring service to minimum cost basis service.

my Dad had lots of help with my Mum - only a couple of years ago

all sorts of equipment put into the house, which we returned when my Dad died & we sold the house

but the physical care, although initiated by the NHS, was actually provided by a private agency which my Dad had to pay for - and he wasn't rich - the only income they had was the state pension - but they owned their house...............

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