Age in Spain

07/08/2026

What happens if your home carer in Spain calls in sick?

Is night support included in the fee—or billed as a surprise extra?

Does anyone on shift at 2:00 AM speak comfortable English?

When arranging care in a foreign country, the biggest setbacks usually come from the questions we didn't know to ask.

Whether you are exploring options for yourself, planning ahead, or managing care for a family member, navigating a foreign system can feel like stepping into a maze.

To help you navigate these choices with confidence, Age in Spain has published a complete practical checklist covering the essential details to verify before signing any agreement.

What the guide covers:

Support at Home: Background checks, guaranteed cover for sick days, and clear care plan reviews.

Sheltered & Assisted Living: Hidden costs, emergency response times, and staff language support.

Residential & Nursing Homes: Staff-to-resident ratios, medical procedures, and contract fine print.

Don't wait for a crisis to discover what’s missing in a contract.

📌 Read the full guide and save the checklist here: https://ageinspain.org/planning-your-care-in-spain/



Helen Weir

11:38, hoy

Does anyone on shift at 2:00 AM speak comfortable English? - Change comofrtable to reasonable

06/08/2026

✨ The cash in your wallet is about to change! ✨

The European Central Bank has unveiled 10 shortlisted design concepts for the next generation of euro banknotes. The proposed themes celebrate everything that connects us across the continent, featuring breathtaking European birds, interconnected river landscapes, and shared cultural spaces that reflect our daily lives here in Spain.

The ECB wants to hear from the public before making a final decision on our future cash. As expats and residents navigating life in Spain, this is our chance to help shape the look of the currency we use every single day.

🗳️ Cast your vote now:

Explore all 10 unique designs and share your favourites directly in the official public survey at the ECB Future Banknotes Hub.

Do you prefer the nature-inspired themes or the modern cultural portraits? Tell us your thoughts below! 👇

05/08/2026

Great news for our UK state pensioners settling in Spain.

One less stress if you’re retiring abroad 😎

UK state pensioners moving to the EU can now apply online for their S1. This gives you the same healthcare cover as a resident of the country you’re moving to.

You’ll receive your certificate instantly!

For more information and to apply: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/S1-apply

02/08/2026

If you understand Spanish, or you like to practice, here for a change is a simple and helpful video about how to manage your person with dementia about taking a bath. If you are a dementia carer, visit our web page, www ageinspain.org/dementia, join our FB dementia carers support group and be part of our community.

31/07/2026

Keep your valuables safe from "friendly" distraction theft. 🛑

Thieves in Spain use high-contact distractions to steal jewelry, watches, and cash. They may offer unexpected hugs, ask for directions, or "help" you at cash machines.

Stay safe with these quick habits:

Keep your distance: Step back from strangers who approach out of the blue.

Decline unsolicited help: Say firmly: "No necesito ayuda, gracias." (I don't need help, thank you.)

Call for emergency aid: Dial 112 immediately if you are targeted.

📌 Save this post to remember these safety tips, and tap the link in our bio (IG) / visit our website (FB) to access our full safety guides!

27/07/2026

Important health alert for expats in Spain. ⚠️

Nolotil (metamizole) is a common Spanish painkiller. It is banned in the UK and Northern Europe due to a rare, severe side effect. It can dangerously lower your white blood cell count.

Protect yourself with these fast steps:

Ask for alternatives: Request paracetamol or ibuprofen instead.

Use this Spanish phrase: "No quiero metamizol/Nolotil, por favor." (I don't want metamizole/Nolotil, please.)

Watch for symptoms: Seek medical help immediately for sudden fever or sore throat after taking it.

📣 Share this post to help keep your friends and family safe in Spain! For more medical advocacy tips, visit the link in our bio (IG) / our website (FB).

20/07/2026

Did you serve in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000? 🇬🇧🎖️

​If you were affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel, you may be entitled to financial recognition and restorative measures from the Ministry of Defence.

​Up to £50,000 if you were dismissed or discharged because of your actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

​Up to £20,000 for the broader impact of the Ban, even if you weren't discharged.

​Non-financial measures too: return of medals and berets, formal apology letters, restoration of rank, and more.

​⏰ Important: These schemes close on 12 December 2026.

​This also applies to family members or next of kin (a "Person of Sufficient Interest") of a veteran who has since passed away and didn't apply.

​👉 Find out more: www.gov.uk/lgbt-veterans

​

17/07/2026

Updated: we've clarified some details below, thank you to the FB member who flagged this for us. This post is helping a lot of people!

ES-Alert: what you actually need to know
You may have seen ES-Alert messages on the news, Spain's emergency phone alert system. Here's how it really works, according to Protección Civil:
The main alert level (used for genuine emergencies like floods or fires) is switched on automatically on virtually all modern phones. You don't need to do anything, and you can't turn it off even if you wanted to.

There's a second, lower-priority alert level some phones show as an on/off setting. This one isn't currently being used in Spain, so whether it's on or off makes no difference right now.

In short: if your phone is a reasonably modern iPhone or Android, you're already set up to receive these alerts. No action needed.
If an alert does come through, your phone will sound at full volume and vibrate, even if it's on silent, and the message will stay on screen until you dismiss it. Please read it carefully and follow any instructions given.

16/07/2026

📱 New "Barcelona Social" app makes accessing social services easier than ever!

Managing appointments and paperwork with the Barcelona City Council just got a whole lot simpler. A brand-new digital tool called Barcelona Social has been launched to help you skip the queues, reduce travel, and handle your needs from the comfort of home.

Available in English, Spanish, and Catalan, this user-friendly app is designed to keep you connected with vital support systems smoothly and securely.

🌟 Key Features for You:

Automatic Reminders: Never miss an appointment with helpful automatic notifications sent straight to your device.

No More Lost Paperwork: Securely upload documents, check your files, and track the status of your applications.

Instant Confirmations: Get digital slips proving your visits instantly.

Direct Messaging: Send and receive secure messages directly through the platform.

🙋‍♂️ Need Help Setting It Up?

Don’t worry if you aren't a tech expert! The Barcelona City Council is rolling out 42 support points across the city. Friendly, dedicated staff will be on hand to help you download, install, and learn how to use the app step-by-step.

📲 Get Started Today
The app can be used directly on your smartphone (Android or iOS) or via your computer web browser.

👉 Read the full announcement and find the download links on the Barcelona Digital City News Page.

🔑 Important Note on Logging In:
Please keep in mind that because this app handles sensitive and private information, you will need a secure digital verification method to log in.

The application accepts standard Spanish verification systems, including Cl@ve, idCAT Mòbil, or a Digital Certificate.

If you do not have one of these set up yet, don't worry! For clear guidance and support on how to obtain your Cl@ve or digital ID, you can view the Age in Spain Digital Certificate Guide. If you need further assistance, feel free to fill out the Age in Spain Contact Form or contact their infoline directly.

09/07/2026

Later life? Make it the best part.