Europe seeks new models for long-term care

Europe is facing a growing challenge in providing long-term care as its population ages. The EU project 'LeTs-Care' is now working to develop new, sustainable models to address this increasing demand.

By 2050, the number of people in the EU requiring long-term care is projected to rise by 24 percent, from 30.8 million in 2019 to 38.1 million. This demographic shift, coupled with declining birth rates and increased female workforce participation, strains traditional care models that heavily rely on unpaid family caregivers, predominantly women.

Researchers from seven European countries, Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, and Spain, are collaborating on 'LeTs-Care.' Led by the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, the project aims to create a unified framework for analyzing national long-term care systems, making them comparable. This involves using qualitative case studies and quantitative data analysis to identify successful strategies applicable across borders.

Bernhard Weicht, a sociologist at the University of Innsbruck, whose team is analyzing Austria's model, notes that while challenges are similar across Europe, their specific manifestations vary by country due to differing perceptions and legal frameworks. The project emphasizes the need for detailed, context-specific understanding to develop solutions that can be adapted nationally.

A key aspect of 'LeTs-Care' is establishing clear definitions for care needs and 'caregivers.' Needs can range from basic support and safety to individual self-determination and social integration. The project also questions whether family members should be included in the definition of care personnel, highlighting the diverse approaches to long-term care across the continent.

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While the challenges are similar across Europe, they have a different meaning in specific countries – depending on perception and legal situation.