Aging comes with its challenges. Outstanding public health successes and rapid economic and social development have contributed to individuals living longer. Although many people live longer, they don’t live well. Coronavirus pandemic has caused devastating social and economic impacts.

The pandemic has shown why reforming elderly care is essential. It has caused a tremendous change in the daily routines of the elderly. As people grow older, they become more susceptible to disability and diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes are very common among the elderly. Researchers note that most deaths due to Covid-19 occur in the elderly or people with underlying conditions. Proper care for the elderly during Covid-19 is paramount.

The need for long-term care can occur at any point in life. However, over the decades, there has been a substantial increase in the number of elderly individuals needing long-term care. Conditions like dementia necessitate more comprehensive, costly care. Thus, policymakers should develop ways that assist in enhancing how these services should be paid for.

Most elderly individuals prefer to stay at their homes. The reforms should focus on making long-term care affordable, allowing them to live independently in their homes. As people approach the retirement age, they have fewer resources to pay for long-term care. The obligation to pay for the services falls on the family members. Most family caregivers also have full-time jobs.

The emotional, financial and physical stress they face is overwhelming. Depression and distress feelings associated with caregiving can negatively affect their physical health. Although individuals with dementia require more attention, they’re less likely to show gratitude. Additionally, the perception of the caregiver on how much the patient is suffering can be emotionally overwhelming.

Without long-term care insurance, the cost of long-term care can be expensive. Most people assume that private long-term care insurance will pay for the services during retirement. However, it doesn’t effectively protect them from significant financial risks.

Policymakers should come up with comprehensive reforms that include a viable public insurance option. Funding long-term care for the elderly is a critical issue to be addressed. It affects not only the economic security of lots of families but also the governments’ budgets.