Latvia’s care homes struggle to meet growing demand

Latvia’s senior population is growing, but the number of places in care homes has barely changed in a decade, leaving many facilities full and families facing extra costs of several hundred euros. LSM reported the findings from LTV’s Aizliegtais paņēmiens programme.

Latvia has about 150 care homes offering full-time care for older people, with around 11,000 places in total. Nearly 100 homes belong to municipalities, while about 40 are privately run. Some are operated by non-governmental organisations, from which municipalities buy care services.

The number of people aged 65 and over rose by about 6.5% in the past decade, from 388,000 to 413,000. The population aged over 80 grew by about 14%, from 98,000 in 2016 to 112,000 last year.

The Ministry of Welfare estimates that demand for long-term care for older people will be 25% to 40% higher in 2035 than it is now. Care homes also face a critical shortage of staff.

In calls to care homes, the programme found that most had no vacancies. In Daugavpils, a city of nearly 80,000 people, the only social care centre has 195 places and 70 people on its waiting list. A staff member said the wait could exceed a year.

People’s experiences vary: some find a place quickly, while others die before one becomes available. A website, tuviniekiem.lv, has been created to help families navigate the available options.

Tags: Latvia, elderly care, care homes