Caring for Aging Parent

Spain's Ley de Dependencia (Dependency Law) provides comprehensive support for caring for dependent elderly or disabled family members. Apply through your regional Social Services (Servicios Sociales) who conduct a medical and social assessment determining the dependency grade: Grade I (moderate dependency requiring occasional help), Grade II (severe dependency needing frequent help), or Grade III (great dependency requiring continuous care). Based on the assessment, families choose between receiving direct cash payments (prestación económica) of €150-500/month to hire caregivers, or in-kind services (prestación de servicios) including home care assistance, day centers, meal delivery, and residential care subsidies worth €300-500/month. Processing takes 3-6 months on average. Employed family caregivers can request excedencia por cuidado de familiares (family care leave) providing up to 3 years unpaid leave with job protection and continued Social Security contributions. Alternatively, request reduced working hours (reducción de jornada) with proportional salary reduction. All Spanish residents over 65 receive free public healthcare including specialists, medications (small copay), and hospital care. Tax benefits include €1,150/year deduction per dependent over 65 or disabled family member. Long-term residential care (residencias de mayores) costs €1,000-2,500/month depending on region and facility type, with regional governments providing subsidies of €100-400/month for low-income families.