WHO Maps Out Community-based Support for People with Disabilities and Older Adults with Care Needs

WHO Maps Out Community-based Support for People with Disabilities and Older Adults with Care Needs

The WHO report  “Mapping community-based care and support for people with disabilities and older adults” underlines how increased longevity and long-term conditions affect functioning, and, in consequence, an increase in the number of persons experiencing limitations or declines in functioning, the need for support is growing around the world.

It further notes that investing in a diverse, accessible and inclusive system of community-based care and support (CBCS) services is a key requirement to meet this demand. 

Moreover, the report maps out what are the CBCS services that should be accessible to persons with disabilities, older adults with care needs and their informal caregivers to ensure the continuation of health and social support needs. These include:

1. Direct care and support services (targeted to addressing support needs for mobility, cognitive and mental health, personal care, social connection, life activities and community participation)
2. Disability and age-inclusive health services
3. Support services for informal caregivers

For all categories of key CBCS services, the professional care profiles and roles required to deliver these at a high level of quality are highlighted.

The report identifies six facilitating factors to build effective CBCS that ensure accessibility, quality and sustainability: 

• Optimizing and ensuring the competence of the health and care workforce is essential, requiring continuous training and skill development to meet diverse care needs
• Promoting access to digital technologies enhances service delivery, facilitates remote monitoring and improves care coordination.
• Investing in inclusive and accessible services and public spaces ensures that individuals with disabilities and older adults can navigate their environments safely and independently
• Leveraging housing adaptations and innovative models supports independent living by integrating assistive technologies and adaptable housing solutions.
• Developing quality management systems guarantees service effectiveness, accountability and continuous improvement
• Strengthening multisectoral collaboration fosters coordinated efforts across health, social and other key sectors, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach to care. 

An accompanying annex to the mapping, a guide to implementation needs, provides guidance on how to identify and analyse CBCS services, professional roles associated with their delivery, and pathways that facilitate the development of CBCS services. Designed for use across diverse governance settings, the guide includes adaptable templates and key reflection points to ensure relevance and applicability. It serves as a resource for governmental and nongovernmental actors involved in CBCS oversight, design and advocacy, aiming to strengthen evidence-based, cross-sectoral health, care and social inclusion policies.

WHO  “Mapping community-based care and support for people with disabilities and older adults” available here.

WHO guide to implementation needs available here.