REAGIR says recent remarks by the Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Labour and Youth on intermediate care units, expanded home support and a review of the Informal Caregiver Statute confirm its long-standing criticism of the Regional Government. The party argues that delayed hospital discharges stem from years of weak planning, limited social responses and no integrated strategy for Madeira’s ageing population. It says demographic trends have been known for decades and should have led to earlier preparation for more residential homes for the elderly, long-term care, home support and assistance for people living with dependency. REAGIR also warns that hospitals are being used as a substitute for social care, with hundreds of beds occupied by patients who have already been clinically discharged while others wait for admission through emergency services. Although it accepts that intermediate care units may reduce pressure, the party says these measures are arriving only after the system has reached breaking point and do not replace structural policy. It also criticises the planned October review of the Informal Caregiver Statute, saying informal caregivers are already under heavy physical, emotional and financial strain and cannot simply stop working to care for dependent relatives. REAGIR further argues that Madeira still lacks a consistent commitment to public residential facilities for the elderly and says support remains too dependent on private social solidarity institutions and families.
