Long Term Care in Health Services

Demographic transitions are changing the health needs of the population. Care for the chronically ill and for people with disabilities is a growing challenge in practically all societies. Long-term care (LTC) includes activities undertaken for persons who are not fully capable of self-care on a long-term basis by informal caregivers (mainly the family) and by formal caregivers. All developed countries have established LTC programs under the auspices of health and welfare services, and many developing countries are in the initial stages of some development. However, there is no single paradigm. The article focuses on critical key issues in the organization and provision of LTC, providing insight for development of care policies.