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A Comparative Overview of Long-Term Care Settings for Older People in Europe

On 17 March 2026, the European Commission published the report “Long-term care settings for older people in Europe: a comparative overview”, written by the European Social Policy Analysis Network (ESPAN). 

The report examines long-term care (LTC) settings for older people in 38 countries: the 27 EU countries, nine (potential) candidate countries, as well as Iceland and Norway. The report aims to gain a better understanding of the variety and prevalence of LTC settings for people aged 65+ across Europe.

Drawing on national reports prepared by the 38 ESPAN country teams, the report provides:

  • a comparative overview of formal LTC, describing residential care, home care and community-based care settings, their key characteristics, geographical imbalances and emerging “hybrid” or innovative care models
  • a critical assessment of how the organisational structure, governance and funding of LTC systems shape the availability of different care settings and the real scope for personal choice
  • a review of recent and ongoing LTC reforms.

For the 27 EU countries, it also presents a selection of key comparative indicators, context information and policy levers on LTC included in the EU Monitoring Framework for the Council Recommendation on access to affordable high‑quality LTC (covering expenditure, affordability and availability of LTC services, as well as the LTC workforce and informal care). More information on this Council Recommendation on access to affordable high-quality LTC available in EPR’s Short Briefing on the EU Care Strategy.

The report concludes with policy pointers for expanding and diversifying LTC service provision, enhancing governance and quality, improving affordability, addressing funding challenges and regional disparities, and modernising LTC through technology and innovation.

Report “Long-term care settings for older people in Europe: a comparative overview” available here.