Beja, like most of the Alentejo, is a city with a very old population. In this universe, there are 136 elderly people – with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or living in great isolation – who, as part of the Cuidar+ project, are accompanied by 34 professionals from Cáritas Diocesana de Beja.

This group is made up of occupational therapists like Sandra and physical exercise technicians like Margarida. Some draw on their memories and play games with them to exercise their minds; others put them through personalized physical exercise, above all to maintain their strength and prevent the many other ailments that come with age.

But Cuidar+ also has a network of volunteers, like Sónia and Carla, who talk to them, keep them company, or simply make themselves available for whatever is needed, just as they do with family.