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B1Spanish·20 cards

Caring for the Elderly in Spain

Look after an older person at home in Spain: daily routine, medication, meals, walks and talking to the family.

In Spain many older people are cared for at home by a cuidadora, live-in (interna) or by the hour (externa), often with help from the Ley de Dependencia. Older people are addressed as usted and don or doña plus first name. These cards follow a carer's day with Don Manuel, from waking up to an update call with his daughter.

Senior man wearing sunglasses sits on a park bench in Valladolid, enjoying a sunny day.
Photo: Mike Art 🎥 Visual Creator | Photography and Video 📸 on Pexels
  1. 1

    Buenos días, don Manuel, ¿qué tal ha dormido?

    Good morning, Don Manuel, how did you sleep?

  2. 2

    ¿Le ayudo a levantarse?

    Shall I help you up?

  3. 3

    Despacito, que no hay prisa.

    Take it slowly, there's no rush.

  4. 4

    Le toca la pastilla.

    It's time for your pills.

  5. 5

    ¿Se ha tomado la pastilla de la tensión?

    Have you taken your blood pressure tablet?

  6. 6

    Agárrese a mi brazo.

    Hold on to my arm.

  7. 7

    Cuidado con el escalón.

    Mind the step.

  8. 8

    ¿No tiene frío?

    Are you warm enough?

  9. 9

    ¿Qué le apetece comer hoy?

    What do you fancy for lunch today?

  10. 10

    Tiene que beber más agua.

    You need to drink more water.

  11. 11

    ¿Damos un paseíto?

    Shall we go for a little walk?

  12. 12

    Vamos a sentarnos un rato en este banco.

    Let's sit on this bench for a bit.

  13. 13

    ¿Le duele algo?

    Are you in any pain?

  14. 14

    Avíseme si se cansa.

    Tell me if you get tired.

  15. 15

    Hoy ha estado un poco desorientado.

    He's been a bit confused today.

  16. 16

    Ha comido bien y está de buen humor.

    He's eaten well and he's in a good mood.

  17. 17

    Creo que deberíamos avisar al médico.

    I think we should tell the doctor.

  18. 18

    No se preocupe, está en buenas manos.

    Don't worry, he's in good hands.

  19. 19

    No se quiere tomar la medicación.

    He doesn't want to take his medicine.

  20. 20

    ¿Hacemos los ejercicios del fisio?

    Shall we do the exercises the physio gave you?