Washington, D.C., 2 October 2024 (PAHO) — Ministers and health authorities of the Region of the Americas today approved a policy aimed at addressing the growing demand for long-term care (LTC) in the Region, as well as challenges related to care dependency and its impact on individuals, health systems, and society.
“The growing demand for long-term care represents a significant challenge for health and social protection systems in the Region of the Americas,” James Fitzgerald, Director of the Department of Health Systems and Services at PAHO said. “This policy provides a strategic framework to ensure that countries are prepared to meet these needs through sustainable and equitable LTC services.”
In the Region of the Americas, as in many other parts of the word, life expectancy at birth has significantly increased in the 20th century. However, healthy life expectancy has not seen the same gains. This means an increase in the number of years lived with disability or care-dependency, and may require long-term care. Currently, at least 8 million older people in Latin America and the Caribbean require LTC, and given this continued demographic transition, this figure could triple to 23 million by 2050.
The new Policy on Long-term Care, adopted today by the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization, urges countries to invest in increased access to long-term care and disability prevention services throughout the life course.
“By prioritizing investment in LTC, the policy seeks to reduce reliance on unpaid family caregiving, expand access to person-centered formal care services, and improve the quality of life for individuals in need of care and their families,” Fitzgerald said.
The policy also recognizes the important contributions of unpaid caregivers, predominantly women, who provide most of the LTC in the Region. It calls for formal recognition, support, and training for these caregivers, as well as efforts to reduce the caregiving burden, enabling them to participate more fully in the labor market.
Additionally, the document aims to strengthen the capacity of the formal LTC workforce. “Paid LTC workers must be part of an accredited workforce that is expanded, sustained, valued, and strengthened through continuous training and the establishment of minimum professional competencies,” Fitzgerald added.
The policy encourages Member States to develop sustainable financing mechanisms and promote intersectoral governance through the formulation of national LTC policies, enhance data and information systems, and ensure that LTC services are accessible to all, especially those in vulnerable conditions.
PAHO will support countries in implementing the policy through technical cooperation to strengthen capacities that contribute to achieving its objectives.
