Introduction
Long-term Care Statistics: Long-term care (LTC) encompasses a variety of support and services designed to assist people unable to perform essential activities of daily living (ADLs) due to aging, illness, or injury.
With the aging global population, especially in developed countries, the demand for LTC services is expected to grow substantially. This shift raises important considerations around healthcare systems, workforce availability, financing, and the overall quality of life for individuals needing care.
By examining long-term care statistics, we can gain valuable insights into key factors such as the current state of long-term care, highlighting key trends, demographic profiles, the number of people requiring care, the financial costs of services, and regional disparities. These statistics aim to provide valuable insights to stakeholders dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and quality of long-term care services.
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- Approximately 70% of people who reach the age of 65 eventually need some form of long-term care.
- The average monthly cost for assisted living facilities is $4,500, totaling $54,000 annually.
- Alzheimer’s Dementia is among the most common and significant conditions in long-term care settings, contributing heavily to the demand for care services.
- Medicare covers roughly 22% of long-term care costs, with the remainder paid through Medicaid, private insurance, or personal out-of-pocket expenses.
- Around 70% of long-term care services are provided by unpaid family caregivers, many women, underscoring the critical role of informal caregiving and the need for stronger support systems.
Long-Term Care Market Size
- As per Market.us, the global long-term care market is projected to grow from $1,275.2 billion in 2025 to $2,142.4 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.
- The aging population drives market growth, technological advances in home healthcare, and rising chronic disease prevalence.
- Nursing care led the market in 2023 with a 32.4% share due to increased demand from older people and developing countries.
- Public sector share was 46.1%, boosted by government spending and initiatives like Medicare and Medicaid.
- North America held the largest revenue share at 43.7%, supported by a growing elderly population and favorable policies.
- Asia Pacific is expected to experience the fastest CAGR due to rising chronic diseases and increasing demand for long-term care.
(Source: Market.us)
Common Types of Long-Term Care
Nursing Homes
- Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, are care centers for older adults requiring short-term or long-term, round-the-clock care.
- These facilities provide various services, including assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
- They also offer medical services such as rehabilitation, wound care, and chronic disease management.
- As of July 2024, there were 14,827 certified nursing facilities in the U.S.
Assisted Living Facilities
- Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) involves technology-driven products and services designed to support individuals in their daily activities, particularly those needing assistance due to age, disability, or illness.
- In the U.S., there are approximately 28,900 assisted living communities.
- These communities collectively offer nearly 1 million licensed beds.
Home Care
- Home care services enable individuals to receive long-term care in the comfort of their own homes, offering help with ADLs, IADLs, and medical care.
- Around 70% of those using home healthcare services are aged 65 and older.
Adult Day Care
- Adult daycare centers offer daytime care for adults who need assistance or supervision due to cognitive or functional impairments.
Hospice Care
- Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals with serious illnesses, aiming to enhance the quality of life by managing pain, offering emotional support, and assisting with end-of-life planning.
(Source: U.S. News & World Report, L.P. Statista, Aspen Associates Group, Market.us)
Global Long-term Care Statistics
- According to the National Center for Assisted Living, 59% of assisted living residents eventually transition to skilled nursing facilities.
- Around 4.74 million people receive services from home health agencies, while 1.38 million receive care in nursing homes.
- Approximately 1.24 million individuals are served by hospices, 713,300 by residential care communities, and 273,200 by adult day service centers.
- Each year, approximately 8.36 million people worldwide receive support from the five main long-term care services.
- In the U.S., approximately 65,600 regulated long-term care facilities were established in 2021, including 28,900 assisted living facilities.
- In Canada, around 15% of seniors reside in long-term care facilities.
- In 2023, Germany had 15,400 care homes and 14,700 home care services, with 4.1 million requiring long-term care.
- Long-term care projections indicate that the number of people needing care in Germany will increase by 37% by 2055, primarily due to an aging population.
- In Germany, the number of people requiring long-term care is expected to rise from around 5.0 million at the end of 2021 to approximately 6.8 million by 2055.
- There are over 10,700 nursing homes in France, with over 730,000 people residing in retirement homes.
- In Italy, as of 2021, there were approximately 266,800 elderly residents in social and healthcare residential facilities.
- There were 6,116 centers in Spain with 399,046 residential beds, with a coverage rate of 4.29% in 2022.
- There were around 16,566 care homes in the UK in 2024, with about 70% offering residential care and 30% providing nursing care.
- Australia allocates approximately 1.2% of its GDP to long-term care services for older adults.
- Only about 20% of older adults in India have access to formal long-term care services, largely due to limited availability and affordability.
- There were approximately 404,000 welfare institutions in China for older people in 2023, including 40,786 nursing homes.
Support from Top 5 Long-Term Care Services
(Source: German Federal Statistical Office, Canadian Institute for Health Information, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, HeplAge India, HHS. Gov, Family Caregiver Alliance, Businesscoot SAS, Statista, InCARE project, Government Population Forecasts)
Aging Population Statistics
As the global population ages, the need for long-term care services is growing, with millions requiring various forms of support. These services are essential for assisting older adults, and their availability and accessibility differ across countries. Below are some key statistics on long-term care services around the world:
- The global population is projected to keep increasing over the next fifty to sixty years, potentially reaching around 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s, a significant rise from 8.2 billion in 2024.
- The U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by 47%, from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. This increase, from 17% to 23% of the total population, is driven by healthcare advancements and longer life expectancies.
Percentage of the global population aged 65 and over for the years 2022, 2030, and 2050
| Region | 2022 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| World | 9.7 | 11.7 | 16.4 |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 3.0 | 3.3 | 4.7 |
| Western Asia Northern and Africa | 5.5 | 7.0 | 12.5 |
| Southern and Central Asia | 6.4 | 8.1 | 13.4 |
| Eastern and South-Eastern Asia | 12.7 | 16.3 | 25.7 |
| the Caribbean and Latin America | 9.1 | 11.5 | 18.8 |
| Australia/New Zealand | 16.6 | 19.4 | 23.7 |
| Oceania | 3.9 | 5.1 | 8.2 |
| The Caribbean and Latin America | 18.7 | 22.0 | 26.9 |
(Source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects, Population Reference Bureau, Government of Canada)
Who Requires Long-Term Care?
Nearly 70% of people who reach age 65 need long-term care services at some point in their lives. Additionally, women tend to stay in long-term care facilities for a longer period, averaging 3.7 years, compared to 2.2 years for men.
(Source: SingleCare)
Demographics of Long-term Care Statistics
Age
- The increasing proportion of individuals over 85 emphasizes the growing need for services specifically designed for older people, such as memory care and rehabilitation. A significant portion of long-term care residents falls within this age group.
- A considerable number of long-term care residents are aged 85 or older. This group often requires specialized care due to age-related health issues, highlighting the need for dedicated support for aging.
- Around 38% of long-term care residents are between the ages of 65 and 84, an age range that typically includes seniors who require assistance with daily activities and medical care.
- More than 55% of residents in long-term care are aged 85 and older, reflecting the increasing demand for specialized services to support this older demographic with chronic health conditions and mobility challenges.
(Source: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))
Gender
- Women generally live longer than men, making them more likely to face age-related health issues.
- Health conditions like Dementia, mobility problems, and chronic diseases are more prevalent in women.
- 56% of women require more intensive, long-term care, compared to 46% of men.
- Women’s longer life expectancy increases their need for extended and specialized care.
- Chronic diseases in women contribute significantly to their higher demand for long-term care services.
(Source: Nasdaq, Inc.)
Medical Conditions in Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-term care facility residents often experience a range of medical conditions, with Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, being particularly common. Additionally, conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and diabetes are prevalent among residents. Here are some key statistics related to the medical conditions commonly found in these facilities:
- 55% of residents have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
- 27% of residents are living with diabetes.
- Approximately 20% of residents have arthritis.
- 17% of residents are affected by heart disease.
- 12% of residents experience osteoporosis.
- 11% of residents have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- 10% of residents have stroke issues.
(Source: aplaceformom, Market.us)
Cost of Long-term Care
- Many people in the U.S. are unprepared for the cost of long-term care (LTC).
- A 2022 study by the HHS found that, on average, seniors requiring long-term care will need $138,000 for long-term support services.
- While insurance and public programs cover part of these costs, families are expected to pay 37% out of pocket.
- Approximately 14% of seniors are projected to pay over $100,000 in out-of-pocket costs for long-term care.
- The median national monthly cost for nursing home care is $8,641 for a semi-private room and $9,872 for private care.
- These costs are expected to rise significantly in the coming decades.
National Median Cost of Nursing Home Care
| Year | Semi-private room | Private room |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8,641 per month | $9,872 per month |
| 2030 (Estimate) | $10,318 per month | $11,787 per month |
| 2040 (Estimate) | $13,867 per month | $15,841 per month |
- According to Genworth, alternative long-term care options tend to be more affordable but may not be suitable for individuals requiring extensive care.
- The average monthly cost for home health aides is currently $5,625, with projections indicating it may rise to $6,717 by 2030.
- The average cost for adult daycare services is $1,847 per month, with an estimated increase to $2,205 by 2030.
- Assisted living facilities have an average monthly cost of $4,917, which is expected to rise to $5,871 by 2030.
Nursing Home Costs Based on Length of Stay
| Percentage of Individuals Aged 65 and Older | Amount of Care Needed | Median Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 43.6% | None | $0 |
| 11.9% | Less than 1 year | Under $103,692 |
| 7.9% | 1 to less than 2 years | $103,692 to $207,384 |
| 14.7% | 2 to less than 5 years | $207,384 to $517,423 |
| 22.1% | 5 years or more | $518,460+ |
(Source: Consumer Affairs, Genworth Cost of Care Survey and Estimate For Inflation, Journal of Consumer Research, Department of Health and Human Services)
Key Players in the Long-Term Care Market
- Atria Senior Living Group
- Sunrise Carlisle LP
- Capital Senior Living
- Genesis Healthcare Corp.
- Extendicare Inc.
- Senior Care Centers of America
- Kindred Healthcare Inc.
- Diversicare Healthcare Services Inc.
- Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
- Home Instead Senior Care Inc.
- Amedisys Inc.
Recent Developments
New Service Launches
- In March 2025, the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) and LTC ACO launched the Value-Based Care (VBC) Joint Alliance to support long-term care and assisted living providers in engaging with Medicare’s value-based care programs.
- In September 2023, Red Cell Partners (Red Cell) announced a $3 million pre-seed funding round for Savoy Life, a virtual care coordination and delivery platform designed to enhance care quality and accessibility for seniors and adults with disabilities residing in community care facilities.
Acquisitions and Mergers
- In December 2024, CareTrust REIT, Inc., a self-administered, publicly traded real estate investment trust, acquired a 46-facility, 3,820-bed/unit skilled nursing and senior housing portfolio in the U.S. for a total investment of approximately $97 million.
- CareHub has merged with LifeCare Services, creating an extensive network of long-term care facilities and senior living communities, with projected combined annual revenues surpassing $1 billion.
Expansions
- In February 2025, CenterWell Senior Primary Care broadened its reach by opening new centers in metro areas such as Savannah and Augusta, Georgia; the Triad Region (Greensboro, Burlington, and Winston-Salem) in North Carolina; and Wichita, Kansas. This expansion aimed to provide care to approximately 390,000 seniors across more than 340 centers.
- In January 2024, CenterWell Senior Primary Care extended its services by adding new centers in Asheville, N.C., Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, La. These locations offer seniors comprehensive care, including primary care, home health, and pharmacy services, ensuring a more integrated and valuable healthcare experience throughout their journey.
Consumer Trends
- Increased life expectancy and demographic changes, particularly the aging population, have driven the demand for long-term care services, resulting in a 10% rise in occupancy rates in assisted living facilities compared to the previous year.
- The adoption of virtual care solutions saw a 20% increase among seniors, highlighting the growing acceptance of telehealth and remote monitoring technologies in long-term care environments.
Regulatory Landscape
Regulatory bodies have established standards to ensure safety and quality of care in long-term care facilities, promoting compliance with regulations and protecting consumers in the sector.
Conclusion
Long-term Care Statistics: The long-term care market is witnessing significant growth, primarily driven by demographic changes, particularly the aging population, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in healthcare technology.
The demand for long-term care services, including nursing care, home healthcare, and assisted living, is expected to grow substantially worldwide. Government spending and public initiatives, such as Medicare and Medicaid, support the long-term care sector, especially in developed nations.
As the market evolves, integrating technology and expanding care options will be essential to addressing the ageing population’s needs. To meet these challenges and opportunities, the long-term care industry must adapt to ensure the delivery of high-quality care in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
FAQ’s
Long-term care encompasses a range of services designed to address both medical and non-medical needs for individuals with chronic conditions, disabilities, or age-related health issues who cannot perform basic daily tasks independently.
Long-term care includes nursing care, assisted living, home health services, and rehabilitation support for people with chronic conditions or disabilities. These services are provided in various settings, such as assisted living communities, private homes, or nursing homes.
The rise in long-term care needs is driven by several factors, including an aging population, a surge in chronic health conditions like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer, and advances in medical technology that allow people with chronic diseases to live longer.
The long-term care market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, largely due to an aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services. While the market size differs by region, North America has the largest market share.
