Better Solutions: A Comparative Analysis of Long-Term Care Home Policies in Canada, China and Japan
Abstract
Failures of long-term care (LTC) policies caused undesirable negative outcomes for Canadian long term care residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore similarities and differences in LTC policies between Ontario (Canada, Ontario), China, and Japan and identify potentially beneficial ideas for policy improvement in all countries. An adapted framework for comparing health care systems guided data collection. Information about four major policy areas: regulation, service provision, PSW workforce, and financial policies was extracted from LTC policy documents, government reports, and research articles. Data was described and compared for similarities and differences. Findings show that LTC policies reflect distinct cultural contexts and core principles of policymaking. Ontario focuses on patient-centered care, China aims to ensure the basic LTC services, and Japan aspires to keep older adults living independently. Knowledge gained from this comparative analysis may contribute to the improvement of LTC home systems everywhere.