Person-centered long-term care. Policy brief 1

Anyone of any age can experience a decline in their intrinsic capacity and functional ability due to temporary or continuing health issues and/or disabilities. Although two people can be living with similar health issues affecting their intrinsic capacity, each will have a different level of functioning due to a variety of influencing contextual (social, financial, and environmental) and psychological (e.g., coping strategies, previous experiences) factors. Different levels of functioning will thus require different long-term care responses, according to each person’s needs and priorities, in a person-centered manner. By meeting each person’s required type, frequency and level of intensity of long-term care, person-centered care has been shown to be more cost-effective and contribute to the overall quality of life of individuals compared to traditional care models. 

This approach should thus be at the heart of all decisions and actions relating to long-term care, from financing services that can be affordably delivered in a person-centered manner, all the way to one-to-one care interactions. Person-centered long-term care demands culturally appropriate, evidence-based models guiding all sectors and levels, inclusive participation to ensure quality integrated care, continuous training, and research to adapt to changing contexts. 

This brief is aimed at highlighting the vital role of person-centeredness to long-term care, in line with PAHO’s Policy on Long-term Care (CD 61/8). This publication is part of a series produced in collaboration with other organizations aimed at featuring rapid information on key aspects of long-term care.