Geography of social care for older people in Portugal

Abstract:

This study analyses the geographical distribution of social care for older adults in mainland Portugal, and compares the spatial patterns of public, non-profit and profit institutions. The results show a heterogeneous distribution and a tendency towards spatial concentration of private sector structures in more urbanised areas. We conclude that the increasing liberalisation of the sector constitutes a risk to the territorial equity of social care provision.

Keywords:
Older adults; Social care; Care provision; Geographical distribution, inequalities; Nursing homes; Portugal