Mapping community-based care and support for people with disabilities and older adults with care needs

Overview

With increased longevity and the rising prevalence of long-term conditions that affect functioning, the number of people living with limitations or declines in functional ability – and thus requiring support – is growing worldwide. Investing in a diverse, accessible and inclusive system of community-based care and support services is essential to meet this demand effectively and sustainably, while promoting the fulfilment of human rights for all. This technical report provides a conceptual framework for understanding and mapping the range of community-based care and support services that should be available to meet the health and social support needs of people with disabilities and older people with care needs and prevent institutionalization, as well as the key professional care profiles and roles required to deliver these services with quality. It concludes by presenting guiding principles and enabling factors which can guide policies for strengthening community-based care services and supports across the WHO European Region.