Long-term Care Systems Need Reform in the Americas
A new policy report outlines how countries are working to support a growing aging population with integrated care services.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Eldercare
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The Pan American Health Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank released a new policy brief detailing the need for stronger long-term care systems across the Americas. As the population aged 60 and older grows, the report highlights that many nations still lack formal, publicly funded care structures.
Why it matters
Fragmented services and inadequate funding currently hinder nations from effectively meeting the needs of aging populations. With 306 million people in the Americas projected to be 60 or older by 2050, gaps in formal care often force informal caregivers to fill critical needs.
A joint policy brief highlights that while 88 percent of countries now report including long-term care in national legislation as of 2025, up from 61 percent in 2020, only 15 of 35 PAHO member states operate formal, publicly funded systems.
The players
Pan American Health Organization
An international public health agency focused on improving health and living standards in the Americas.
Inter-American Development Bank
A financial institution that provides development funding and policy guidance for social and economic projects in the Americas.
The details
Coordinated care systems, such as the model established in Uruguay in 2015, utilize shared governance to integrate policies, services, and financing across local governments and national ministries. These systems rely on standardized assessments to determine individual care needs and eligibility. Currently, only seven of 27 responding countries provide legal recognition and specific support entitlements for informal caregivers, who provide care valued at up to 4.9 percent of GDP.
Timeline
2015: Uruguay established its National Integrated Care System.
2020: 61 percent of surveyed countries included long-term care policies.
2025: Countries reported an 88 percent rate of long-term care legislation.
October 29, 2026: The International Day of Care and Support marks the report release.
2050: 306 million people in the Americas are projected to be aged 60 or older.
Health Landscape
This report aligns with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing midterm review by addressing the structural deficiencies in long-term care. It marks an effort to shift from fragmented service delivery to the integrated models increasingly necessary for aging populations.
As national care systems evolve, individuals should monitor their own countries' progress toward formalizing care support and caregiver benefits. It is worth discussing future care needs and available local resources with your physician or a social worker to understand what support services may be accessible.
The takeaway
Access to reliable long-term care remains a critical gap for millions of older adults in the Americas. To plan ahead, consider researching your local government's existing long-term care policies and consulting with a healthcare provider about how to navigate these systems as care needs arise.
Further reading
For more on the evolving needs of our aging population, see the Eldercare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Caribbeannewsglobal.
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