In a  step towards enhancing the quality and accessibility of long-term care (LTC) across Europe, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Regional Office for Europe has launched a new State of Long-term Care Toolkit. The resource aims to support policy-makers at regional, national and local levels in reshaping LTC systems to be more responsive, inclusive and sustainable.

Developed with financial support from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, the toolkit is part of the European Care Strategy and advances the recommendation on access to affordable high-quality long-term care. Unveiled in Brussels on November 12, the WHO toolkit introduces a  framework that places people and their care needs at the center of LTC reforms.

“This toolkit is a game-changer. It offers countries a pathway to building LTC systems that truly serve people by prioritizing their care needs, preferences and expectations,” said Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, director of Country Health Policies and Systems at WHO/Europe. “It supports an inclusive approach, urging leaders to work with families and communities to shape policies and services that reflect our shared commitment to dignity, respect and quality in care. We encourage all policy-makers to take up this toolkit, implement it, and champion a future where no one is left without the care they need.”

To download the toolkit and related publications, click here