Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

29-Apr-2026

Arch Hellen Med, 43(4), July-August 2026, 544-552

SPECIAL ARTICLE

Long-term health care as a cornerstone of health system sustainability:
Informal caregiving, emerging challenges, and future perspectives

E. Konstantinou,¹ I. Apostolakis,^1,2 P. Sarafis^1,3
¹School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras
²School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens,
³Department of Nursing, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece

Long-term care (LTC) is a cornerstone of health systems, providing support to individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related difficulties. As a crucial component of post-hospital care, it aims to enhance the quality of life of beneficiaries through both formal and informal services. In Greece, LTC encompasses home-based services, institutional and community-based structures, addressing needs such as nursing care, rehabilitation, and social integration. Informal caregivers, primarily family members, offer essential support but often face psychological, financial, and educational challenges. Necessary measures include financial incentives, legal facilitations, training programs, mental well-being support, and respite care services. Special attention must be given to women, who constitute the majority of informal caregivers and bear a disproportionate burden, underscoring the need for social equity in caregiving responsibilities. The implementation of comprehensive policies that integrate formal and informal care is vital for ensuring high-quality care, supporting caregivers, and maintaining the sustainability of health systems.

Key words: Health systems sustainability, Informal caregiver, Long-term care, Palliative care.