Addressing Long-Term Care Needs in the Western Balkans: Insights on Informal Caregivers and Policy Recommendations

The Western Balkans region is experiencing demographic ageing due to declining birth rates, increased life expectancy, and the emigration of working-age individuals. With an average life expectancy of 76.28 years and a healthy life expectancy of 67.26 years, there is an increasing need for robust long-term care (LTC) systems as family structures evolve. In the European Union (EU), over 80 % of care is informal. Our research, which was conducted at six sites in the Western Balkans and involved 3,900 participants, indicates that informal caregivers, primarily spouses and children, provide most of the care. In Albania, 94.7 % of LTC needs are met through family care, compared to 57.6 % in Serbia. The study offers insights into the LTC needs of older adults, people with disabilities (PWDs), and their families. It recommends supporting caregivers through training, respite services, and workforce-friendly policies. Ensuring sustainable LTC in the region requires the provision of systematic support for informal caregivers to address their mental, physical, and socio-economic needs.