How is Europe addressing challenges in long-term care?

Europe's ageing population means there is a growing need for long-term care workers to help support elderly people and those who require assistance for everyday activities. Currently, around six million people work in the sector, but estimates suggest the bloc will require another 1.6 million care workers by 2050.

In Banska Stiavnica in eastern Slovakia, a community-based pilot project has been set up with the aim of helping older people live safely and independently at home for as long as possible.

In this region of the country, access to quality care and services for the elderly is not always possible due to a lack of funding and staff. 

38-year-old Lucia Schneider has been taking care of her grandmother, Eva, for about a year. She is one of the lucky ones able to provide care as part of her job.

"My job is to help my grandmother with cleaning, shopping, and helping to take a shower," Lucia told Euronews.

Public spending on professional long-term care is low in Europe, representing only 1.7% of GDP in 2019 according to data published by the European Commission. Due to the costs, it very often falls on the family to take care of their elders, according to data published by the European Commission.

Since the loss of her husband, Eva lives alone, and her small pension doesn’t cover the cost of all her needs. Therefore, her family must also support her financially.

"I couldn't go to a retirement home because my pension is too small to cover the payment," Eva revealed.

But while she can, Eva prefers to stay at home and be close to her family.

Projections show that in Slovakia, the number of people in need of long-term care will increase by more than 50% by 2070 - double the EU’s average increase.

Mária Petrová lives alone and