Four Dimensions of Sustainability in Long-Term Care.

Abstract

Sustainability became a critical concern in the care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article defines and discusses the economic, social, environmental, and technological dimensions of sustainability in long-term care (LTC) in the pandemic context to expand the sustainability discourses in aging and care research. Economic sustainability shifted focus beyond expenditure control to encompass adequacy and stability in LTC financing and service delivery systems. Addressing moral distress of staff in care provision and social cohesion inside care-providing organizations were emphasized during the pandemic in terms of social sustainability. Minimal focus on environmental sustainability highlights the need for increased environmental awareness in LTC policy. Technology increasingly underpins economic, social and environmental sustainability in care by promoting older adults' autonomous lives. The article also highlights the role of government in strengthening multi-faceted sustainability in LTC policy. Technology for sustainable care depends on governments' capability to alleviate structural inequities. Transparent and interactive relationships between care providers and governments, particularly with the private sector, are necessary to produce sustainable care.