The ABCs of Long-Term Care: A Functional Framework for Building System Capacity

Overview & Synopsis

This paper provides conceptual guidance to policymakers and practitioners on the development of long-term care (LTC) as a core component of inclusive healthy aging strategies. It aims to highlight the rationale for investing in LTC, set out the core system functions that must be strengthened to build effective and sustainable LTC systems, and provide practical policy entry points that policymakers can adapt to their own country contexts. In doing so, the paper supports alignment across relevant sectors, namely health, social protection, and finance, and provides a shared framework for engaging on LTC. It builds on existing World Bank reports and reflects the growing recognition of LTC as a distinct policy area.