Greece

Abstract

� Approximately 18.7 % of the Greek population is aged over 65 (OECD average 15%) with 4.3 % of the population over 80 (OECD average 4%) (OECD Health Data, 2010) � In 2002, a nationwide study showed that 18.2 % of the population face a health problem associated with some kind of disability, more than half of which involves over 65-year old people (ESYE-National Statistical Service of Greece). Background The Greek system of long-term care is mixed, as it includes the direct provision of social services by the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity and the provision of care through social insurance funds. Typically, long-term care services for the elderly are provided by the state, by private non-profitable organizations and by private profitable organizations. Moreover, Greece has a strong tradition of family responsibility, such that family members usually provide care to the elderly or disabled persons in the family. Benefits and Eligibility Criteria In Greece, the public system provides in-kind long-term care benefits (services) in institutions, but there are limited formal home care arrangements. In theory, any old person has access to long-term care services in institutions, whether s/he is insured or uninsured by the social health insurance system