LONG-TERM CARE IN TURKEY: ARE WE READY TO MEET OLDER PEOPLE’S CARE NEEDS?

Aging of population affects all aspects of the society ranging from the healthcare to welfare systems, public finances, family life and LTC issues, as well. Turkey’s population is younger than that of European countries. However, the ageing population is growing rapidly in Turkey As a result of the increase in the aging population, health expenditure and long-term care services needs have swiftly increased, and this increase, as well as becoming a noteworthy situation, has posed a serious threat to Turkey, including the ones having an extremely powerful social security system, for the future. In Turkey, currently there is no long-term care insurance system. The elderly are usually taken care of within their own family. Long-term care infrastructure are extremely scarce. At the same time, home care and social care are least developed in Turkey, with the scarce public supplies being rationed by quantity and treated as last resort options by families and private providers. Public and private support for long-term care for older persons still is not visible and at national level it is often a non-issue. However, in recent years, quite important steps are being taken for long-term care to innovative implemantations has been witnessed. We will point out some good practices about long-term care for older people in Turkey.