The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre/WKC) has released companion pieces for policymakers to highlight four key reasons for investing in long-term care (LTC) from the new book, “The Care Dividend: Why and How Countries should invest in Long-Term Care,” just published by Cambridge University Press.
The companion pieces were written by , Director of the WHO Centre for Health Development; , University of Trieste; , European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies; (WHO Europe), and , London School of Economics Department of Health Policy.
“Timely and decisive policy action can secure the wellbeing of older adults and drive sustained economic growth. The issue is not about whether countries can afford it (if raising taxes slows economic growth) but rather preventing economic slowdown by enabling informal caregivers to participate in the labour force and work where their skills are most productive,” say the co-authors of the brief.
“LTC is a critical strategy for managing health costs linked to unmet health and social care needs of older adults. By investing in health throughout the life course, countries can delay or reduce the demand for LTC systems. Both health and LTC systems are central to the health and well-being of older persons and need to be well-coordinated to manage their needs.”
The Socio-Ecological Reason: Fostering individual health and financial well-being through robust care
“Governments can quickly reduce financial hardship and elevate standards of living across all generations by introducing bold policies such as expanding public LTC funding and capping individual out-of-pocket payments. Investing in strong LTC systems is a primary means to improve mental and physical health and well-being of older people and their family caregivers. Policymakers can justify broadening eligibility for LTC services in terms of increased welfare and financial protection.”
The Political Reason: How governments can lead on care innovation
“Government leadership can align LTC resources with the real needs of an ageing population. Decision-makers can unify policy, funding and innovation to create a future where older adults receive high quality, sustainable care, where families and communities can flourish rather than fold under the pressure of demographic change.”
Find the book here.
WKC conducts research about innovations in service delivery models and sustainable financing to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage in the context of population ageing.
