How to get help paying for nappies and incontinence products?

My mother uses nappies every day and the monthly cost is huge. Is there any way to get support or financial assistance?

Nappies and incontinence pads are one of the heaviest and most constant expenses in caring for a person with advanced dementia. In Portugal, there isn't a single automatic national subsidy that pays for nappies for everyone — but there are several avenues that, combined, can significantly reduce the cost. It's worth exploring all of them.

Where to start

• GP / local health centre: this is the first step. In some health units and regions, there are programmes for providing or subsidising incontinence products for specific clinical situations. Conditions vary from region to region, so ask directly.
• Local Council (Câmara Municipal) and Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia): many councils have social support or equipment banks that include nappies for low-income families. Look for the local social action service.
• IPSS, Santa Casa da Misericórdia and Cáritas: local institutions that, in many cases, provide products or guide you to those who do.

Support that helps cover the cost

Some types of support don't directly pay for nappies but provide a benefit that helps cover these expenses:

• Dependency Supplement (Social Security) — for pensioners who need permanent help.
• Multi-purpose Medical Incapacity Certificate — from 60% incapacity, this grants access to tax benefits and other support.

Reducing daily expenses

• Buy large packs and compare prices between pharmacies, parapharmacies, and large supermarkets.
• Adjust the size and absorbency to the time of day (more absorbent at night) to avoid waste.
• Ask for samples to test brands before buying in bulk.

"I had been paying for nappies out of my own pocket for months. It was the social worker at the parish council who directed me to support I didn't even know existed." — Anonymous Carer

Where to confirm and ask for help

Support varies greatly depending on the region and situation. Always confirm with your GP, with the Social Security Line (300 502 502), and with the social action service of your local council. The Alzheimer Portugal Association also provides information and guidance to carers. This page is informative and does not replace the advice of these services.