The lack of long-term care services increases hospital costs and can make healthcare systems unsustainable. In Mexico, older people with functional limitations—those who need long-term care—are up to 23 percentual points more likely to be hospitalized than functionally independent individuals. Once hospitalized, they are also more likely to stay longer. The IDB's new study, … [Read more...] about Strengthening Long-Term Care Is Key to Sustainable Healthcare in Latin America
Aging and Dependency
Top 5 of Gente Saludable: The Most Read of 2024
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the work we've done and the topics that have shaped our blog in 2024. Thanks to the support of specialists, guest authors, and readers from all over the world, we've covered key health topics, shared learnings, and explored innovative solutions. In this article, we not only highlight the most-read pieces of the year but also share … [Read more...] about Top 5 of Gente Saludable: The Most Read of 2024
Caring for the Elderly: A Job Deserving Recognition and Support
What would you expect if you were offered a job that requires a great deal of time and commitment, and which also requires specific technical skills, interpersonal skills, a bit of psychology, empathy, the ability to react to unforeseen events and, above all, a lot of patience? Surely, you would expect at least two things: a good level of remuneration and a technical … [Read more...] about Caring for the Elderly: A Job Deserving Recognition and Support
Caring for the Mental Health of Caregivers
The mental health of caregivers of older people in Latin America and the Caribbean appears to be at risk. A recent IDB survey of more than 27,000 caregivers across the region found a worrisome situation: more than 30% of unpaid caregivers and 19% of paid caregivers reported experiencing symptoms of depression. In this note we will explore some of the effects that caregiving … [Read more...] about Caring for the Mental Health of Caregivers
Unpaid Health Care Work: A Challenge for the Region
In the last decade, the debate on caregiving work—its gender inequality and impact on development—has gained increasing relevance on the public policy agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean. The origin of this debate dates back to concerns about the sexual division of labor, which places an unequal share of unpaid caregiving work on women. According to ECLAC, this division … [Read more...] about Unpaid Health Care Work: A Challenge for the Region