Ambula Blog
Stories, guides and advice to care better.
Articles on health, wellbeing and supporting those who need it most — written by the Ambula team.
HealthPrivate ambulance: cost and how it works in Portugal
How much a private ambulance costs and what affects the price — distance, type of transport, return trip and more. Find out how to request a quote.
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HealthHow to book a private (non-emergency) ambulance
A step-by-step guide to booking a private ambulance for appointments, exams or discharges — what information to have ready and how far in advance.
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HealthPatient transport in Lisbon: how to book and what to expect
Non-emergency patient transport in Lisbon and the surrounding area — for appointments, hospitals, exams and discharges. How it works and how to book.
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HealthTransport for bedridden and stretcher patients: how it works
Safe transport for bedridden patients or those with very limited mobility — standard or coquille stretcher, wheelchair and assistance. How to book.
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HealthWorld Heart Rhythm Day: how to recognise the warning signs of cardiovascular disease
The heart works without pause. It beats thousands of times a day, pumps blood throughout the body and ensures that every cell receives the oxygen it needs to function. However, many people only think about cardiovascular health when a problem arises. Chest pain, unexpected shortness of breath, palpitations or a diagnosis that arrives without warning.
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HealthAlzheimer's: what it is and how carers make the difference
When someone receives (or suspects) a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, the first reaction is rarely "OK, let's take this step by step". Usually it is fear. Then comes confusion. And, almost always, Share:
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HealthHospital Discharge Plan: a practical guide for patients and carers
Being discharged from hospital is a relief. But it is also the moment when all the questions come at once. The hospital is left behind, but the care continues whether at Share:
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HealthDiabetes symptoms: How to recognise the signs and act in time
There are signs we keep explaining away: "it must be stress", "I''ve been sleeping badly", "it''s just my age". But when the thirst will not go away, the tiredness builds up and the vision starts Share:
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HealthFalls in Older People: How to Prevent Them and Protect Those You Love Most
Some moments happen in a second, a misstep, a dizzy spell, a rug that curls up, yet they bring consequences that can last for months. Falls in older people Share:
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WellbeingPets for the elderly: a senior's best friend
There are moments in life when the house becomes quieter than we would like. The days grow longer, the routines lighter… and someone's presence is missed. Share:
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WellbeingHearing aids: what they are, how they work and when they are worth it
When the world starts to sound distant, we can feel a little more alone. If conversation has stopped being a pleasure, the television has started creeping louder and the fear Share:
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WellbeingEnd-of-life signs: what to expect and how to support those who matter most
It is true that we do not live forever, but talking about the end of life can be difficult. When the health of someone we love becomes fragile, doubts, fear and Share:
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WellbeingHow to combat loneliness: practical strategies and support in Portugal
Feeling lonely is not "a lack of company", it is the sense of not having connections that feel meaningful. It can happen to anyone, at any age, but it is normal for this Share:
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WellbeingThe best films for older people: tips, themes and platforms to watch in Portugal
Staying active involves much more than physical exercise and healthy eating habits. Wellbeing is also nurtured through moments of leisure and emotion. Watching a good film is Share:
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WellbeingPhysiotherapy: what it is, areas of practice and benefits for health
Physiotherapy is for all ages and contributes to a good recovery from injuries. It focuses on treating situations that limit mobility, whether to relieve post-operative pain, neurological problems, Share:
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WellbeingSolidarity Supplement for the Elderly: requirements, amounts and how to apply
How many stories have we heard of people who reach retirement and the money simply isn’t enough? After a lifetime of work, the bills, the rent, the medication and even Share:
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WellbeingLoss of appetite in the elderly: causes, symptoms and strategies to encourage eating
Loss of appetite in later life is fairly common and can arise for a number of reasons. The key is to understand what lies behind it (whether something physical, emotional or practical) so that you can help. With small adjustments, it is possible to prevent malnutrition and bring pleasure back to the table.
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WellbeingUniversities of the third age: what they are, how they work and the benefits for active ageing
Learning has no expiry date. Even if life did not allow you to study before, there is always time to begin again, at your own pace and with support. The universities of the third age (senior universities) were Share:
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WellbeingHow much does a care home cost in Portugal? Costs, factors and alternatives
Portugal''s population has been ageing, and many families feel it as they look for the best care for their older relatives. Added to this is a constant demand for specialised services, Share:
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WellbeingSuperfoods: what they are, their benefits and how to include them in your routine
The definition of superfoods covers foods of natural origin such as: fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and some fish that contain a high nutritional density. This means that, even though Share:
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WellbeingChoosing the right wheelchair for each person
Choosing the right wheelchair is essential to ensure safety, mobility and, above all, comfort. It is far more than an accessory; the chair becomes an Share:
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HealthParkinson's disease: symptoms, diagnosis and essential care
According to the World Health Organization, Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, just after Alzheimer's, and affects around 10 million people worldwide. Share:
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HealthEczema vs psoriasis: how to tell these skin conditions apart
Eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions that can look similar, both causing redness, itching and skin lesions, but they arise from different causes, require different treatments and Share:
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HealthStroke patients: how to support them and adapt life after a stroke
It is one of the leading causes of death in Portugal. A stroke profoundly transforms not only the life of the person who has had it but also that of their family. Not Share:
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HealthLeg weakness in older people: causes, symptoms and solutions
As the years pass, leg weakness becomes a frequent complaint with a significant impact on mobility in later life, and it can affect independence and quality of life. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms and acting in time can help prevent falls and fractures.
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WellbeingCommunicating with the elderly: how to make interaction more effective
Communicating with an elderly person takes more than speaking clearly; it requires empathy, patience and adaptation. As we age, our bodies undergo physical, cognitive Share:
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WellbeingChair exercises for the elderly: simple and safe
There are several simple, safe options that help to improve strength, circulation and wellbeing. In this article, we share safe suggestions for seated exercises, ideal for doing at home or in care settings, which respect each person's limits and pace.
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WellbeingNutrition for the elderly: a complete and practical guide
A balanced diet is important at every stage of life, but it becomes essential in older age. The natural changes of ageing call for a diet adjusted to the new needs of the Share:
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WellbeingHow to make accompanying an older person to appointments a calm and safe experience
There was a time when they held our hand at appointments, soothed our fears and took care of everything for us. Today the roles are reversed and it is our Share:
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HealthCOPD: the cough that should not be ignored
Did you know that there are around 800,000 people with COPD in Portugal and that 7 in 10 do not even know they have the disease? The thing is, the signs, Share:
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HealthHow to recognise and face the stages of dementia with respect and tenderness
Did you know that more than 200,000 people live with dementia in Portugal? Talking about dementia means talking about a difficult journey, for the person living with the condition and for those who care. Knowing what to expect, and the stages to come, can make all the difference.
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HealthDepression in the elderly: the invisible pain we should not ignore
Becoming quieter, losing interest in the little things or withdrawing from the people you love… At first glance, it may seem like “just old age”. But, very often, it is more
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HealthSarcopenia: how to halt silent muscle loss
As the years go by, something happens almost invisibly in the human body: the muscles begin to lose mass and strength. This condition has a name – Share:
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HealthALS (the disease): what it is, symptoms and treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
When Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), he was told he had only a few years to live. He lived more than 50. ALS, as it is also known, is a Share:
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HealthPatient Rights: know what you can (and should) demand from health services
Being ill, whether for a simple reason or a more serious one, is never easy. In a moment of vulnerability, the least anyone deserves is to be treated with respect, empathy and Share:
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HealthA second medical opinion: your right to decide with confidence
The doctor explained everything calmly but, even so, that feeling of uncertainty lingered… Is this really it? Could there be another option? If you have ever felt this knot in Share:
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WellbeingLow on vitamin D? Find out what it does and how to maintain healthy levels
It is known as the "sunshine vitamin", and that is no accident. A simple walk outdoors, with your skin exposed to the sun, is enough for the body Share:
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WellbeingActivities for the elderly: simple ideas for happier, more active days
As the years go by, the body slows down, but the will to live well carries on – and that is where the right activities come in. Filling the day with pleasant moments Share:
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HealthHow to lift a bedridden person: a step-by-step guide to safe care
Caring for someone who is bedridden is a profound gesture of love and dedication, one that calls for patience, empathy and attention to detail. Whether due to age, recovery from surgery or Share:
Read articleHealthReduced mobility: rights and how to promote accessibility
Can you imagine a scenario in which the simple task of leaving the house or going to the kitchen becomes a challenge? Reduced mobility can affect any one of Share:
Read articleHealthDid you know that cancer patients are entitled to free transport? Get to know this right
Facing a cancer diagnosis brings many challenges, and the difficulties go far beyond the fight against the disease. In daily life, there is also the matter of managing journeys to treatments, Share:
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HealthSupport for the elderly. Measures and benefits for ageing with dignity
Ageing is a natural process and, although each stage of life brings new challenges, later life does not have to mean loneliness or hardship. Fortunately, in Portugal, there is Share:
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HealthFind out when to call Saúde 24 or INEM
Faced with a health problem, a doubt can arise: should I call Saúde 24 or 112? Knowing how to tell when to use each service makes all the difference Share:
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HealthHave you heard of herpes zoster? And of shingles? Get to know this viral infection
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that can appear at any time of life, but is most common in adults over the age of 50. It is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that stays dormant in the body. Here is how to recognise it, the risks and how to treat it.
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WellbeingSee how to apply for the disabled parking card
For those with mobility difficulties, finding a parking space close to their destination makes all the difference in everyday life. The disabled parking card Share:
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WellbeingAmbulances or VDTD: understand the differences
On the subject of patient transport, two terms tend to come up frequently: ambulance and VDTD (Veículo Dedicado ao Transporte de Doentes, a dedicated patient transport vehicle). If you have ever wondered about the real differences Share:
Read articleHealthHaemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis? See what sets each method apart.
Choosing between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may seem like a complicated decision, but it is, above all, a choice about what best suits the daily life and needs of Share:
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WellbeingFind out how a pregnancy test works and when it is best to take one
Doubt knocks at the door and your heart races. Could it be? It is natural to feel anxious, with a thousand questions in your head: "Am I pregnant?" "When should I take a pregnancy test?" How does Share:
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HealthUnderstanding the importance of a family doctor
Having a family doctor is more than just an administrative formality. It means ensuring that someone knows your health history, follows your wellbeing and is there Share:
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HealthDiscover the rights and duties of the informal carer
Every day, thousands of people devote their time and energy to caring for someone with mobility difficulties, chronic illnesses or physical limitations. However, this care goes far beyond Share:
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HealthWhat is self-certification of illness and how do you request it?
There are times when your health demands a break, even if only for a short while. The good news is that, in cases of illness, you can justify up to three days of absence without a medical certificate. Share:
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HealthBlood donation: everything you need to know
A simple act, yet of enormous importance, and one that can, quite literally, save lives. Every day, in hospitals and health centres, there are people who depend on this gesture to survive. But Share:
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HealthEverything you need to know about work accident insurance
Suffering an accident at work is something no one wants, but the truth is that it can happen at any time. Knowing how to act and what your rights are can make Share:
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HealthHospital waiting times: how long will I have to wait at A&E?
Lately, hospital emergency departments have been the subject of much discussion, mainly because of the long waiting times, which has worried a great many people. The good news is that Share:
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WellbeingThe transformative power of physical exercise for physical and mental health
What if we told you that getting your body moving could be the best recipe for looking after both body and mind? Yes, it is true! Physical exercise has the power Share:
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HealthMultipurpose disability certificate: what it is and how to apply for it step by step
Have you heard of the multipurpose disability certificate, but still do not quite know what it is or what it is for? Do not worry! We are here to clear up all your questions, from the Share:
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WellbeingHow to diagnose and manage lactose intolerance
Have you ever felt bloated or that annoying discomfort after drinking a glass of milk? If so, you may be dealing with lactose intolerance, a problem more Share:
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Wellbeing7 tips for losing belly fat in a healthy and effective way
Belly fat is one of the most discussed topics when it comes to health and wellbeing, and that is no accident. It goes far beyond appearance, being associated with several Share:
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HealthFind out what user fees are and whether you qualify for exemption
Did you know that it is possible to access healthcare without paying user fees? For many, this benefit makes a significant difference in managing health expenses and is Share:
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HealthNeed to apply for sick leave and sickness benefit? Here’s how
In the event of illness, an accident or another medical condition that prevents you from working, you may need to justify your absence from work. Between medical certificates and sick leave, many people Share:
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HealthFind out how to book SNS appointments online and in person
The ease of booking appointments with the SNS (the Portuguese National Health Service) has been growing thanks to the various digital options available. Today, through the SNS 24 Portal, booking an appointment Share:
Read articleHealthNon-emergency patient transport: how it works and who is entitled to it
Non-emergency patient transport is a vital part of access to healthcare, ensuring that all patients receive the care they need, even if they cannot Share:
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