Caring for an older relative in Mallorca: home help and social services
If an older relative in Mallorca is struggling to manage at home, start with the municipal social services team and their health centre. Describe what they’re finding difficult and how soon they need help. If they are leaving hospital, ask the ward whether a hospital social worker can help with discharge arrangements.
Prepare for a conversation with social services
Write down what your relative needs help with, such as washing, meals, getting around or managing medication. Include who is already helping, how often and what has changed. Involve your relative in decisions and ask what permission is needed if you are speaking or applying on their behalf.
Ask about support now and a formal assessment
Ask municipal social services about local home help, teleassistance, day centres, respite and support for family carers. Ask what is available while a formal dependency application is under way. Availability, eligibility and charges can vary by service.
The Balearic Government has a procedure for recognising dependency and access to services or benefits. Ask what residence and other eligibility conditions apply, what records are required and how the person’s needs are assessed. If recognised, ask how the individual care plan is agreed and how to report a change in needs.
Compare care options
If you’re considering private home care or a residential placement, ask about staffing, language, overnight coverage, fees and what happens if care needs increase. Ask who is responsible for medical decisions and who to call if there’s an urgent change.
Useful vocabulary in English, Spanish and Catalan
| English | Spanish | Catalan |
|---|---|---|
| Social services | servicios sociales | serveis socials |
| Home help | ayuda a domicilio | ajuda a domicili |
| Remote assistance | teleasistencia | teleassistència |
| Dependency assessment | valoración de la dependencia | valoració de la dependència |
| Individual care plan | programa individual de atención | programa individual d’atenció |
| Residential care home | residencia | residència |
Frequently asked questions
Who is the first point of contact?
Try your relative’s municipal social services team for local support and their health centre for medical needs.
Can I apply for a dependency assessment for someone else?
Ask the Balearic service or social worker what authorisation or representation documents it needs for you to act on their behalf.
What if they need help while we wait for assessment?
Tell the social worker what is unsafe or unmanageable now and ask which interim local services may be available. In an emergency call 112.
Listen to the Majorca Mallorca Podcast
- Glynis German on end-of-life planning in Mallorca
- Bronwen Griffiths on navigating healthcare and support in Mallorca
Official information
Related guides
- Seeing a doctor in Mallorca as a visitor or resident
- What happens when someone dies in Mallorca
- What happens after a cancer diagnosis in Mallorca
This post may contain affiliate links that help support Majorca Mallorca in creating content like this. If you make a purchase using one of these links, Majorca Mallorca may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure for more information.