Graph of the Month – OECD

Many older people who need long-term (LTC) care prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible, and most OECD countries aim to support them to do so. Over the last decade, nearly all countries for which we have data have seen an increase in the proportion of LTC users living at home, with particularly large shifts in France, Sweden and Korea. The only exception to this trend is Finland, but this reflects an increase in the use of specially adapted “service housing” where 24-hour care is available, rather than traditional care institutions.

While an increase in home care is a positive change that can help people to remain independent and engaged with their community, it does create some new challenges. People with LTC needs living at home are usually cared for, at least in part, by their family and friends. This can put a strain on those providing care, which can affect their health and make it difficult for them to work. A shift towards care at home means that policies to support carers are more important than ever.

There is also some evidence that severely dependent people, especially those with dementia, can be at greater risk of hospitalisation when living in their own home, compared to being in an institution. This risk needs to be considered when deciding on the best place to care for someone.