What does Madrugada do?
Founded in 2009, the Luz-based charitable association Madrugada has provided ‘Hospice at Home’, end of life care and support to over 190 people in the Algarve. Many others have benefitted from Madrugada’s advice and professional support to help manage the challenges of life limiting illness through counselling, therapeutic and complementary therapies, advice, and education. Importantly, Madrugada has raised the profile of home-based end of life care and supportive therapies in Portugal.

Their professional palliative care team provides support to anyone 18 years and over who asks for assistance and also extends this to carers and close family members.

Where does Madrugada provide its service?
Their services are in demand throughout the Algarve. Currently, they offer full end of life care and support to those living in the Western Algarve. Further into the Central region they offer a slightly reduced service. It is their aim to expand their provision to ensure its availability across the Algarve region, giving equal access to all.

What does it cost?
There is no charge for Madrugada’s end of life care service. Patients may refer themselves or give permission to be referred by their doctor, other healthcare professionals, a close friend or family member. Referrals are considered on clinical criteria and appropriate home environment for safe and effective care. Also, Madrugada offers family and bereavement counselling during illness and after the loss of a loved one.

How is Madrugada funded?
Madrugada is a not-for-profit association. Apart from the nursing and care providers who are paid an hourly rate, and along with a small team of part-time staff, all other support and help comes from unpaid volunteers. Typically, care provision at end of life can last from 4 to 14 days. The average cost per 24 hours of end of life care provided is currently circa €500 including all costs. This soon adds up to a substantial outlay in both nursing and equipment costs. Where possible, Madrugada endeavours to offset these costs through medical insurance and donations. However, more often than not, there are insufficient funds available to cover the cost of care, and crucially care provision is always free - they do not ask anyone to pay – patient assessment is based purely on asking the question “Can we help this person?” .