Pandemic Experience in the Long-Term Care Sector: How Does Canada Compare With Other Countries?

Canada’s long-term care (LTC) sector has been especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 840 outbreaks have been reported in LTC facilities and retirement homes, accounting for more than 80% of all COVID-19 deaths in the country (as of 9 p.m. ET on May 25, 2020).

This short analysis examines the similarities and differences between Canada’s pandemic experience in LTC and that of other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Specifically, it focuses on 3 areas of comparison:

• COVID-19 outcomes in LTC (cases and deaths);
• Baseline sector characteristics; and
• Policy responses to address the pandemic

Comparisons must be interpreted with extreme caution due to rapidly evolving infection case numbers, different definitions of LTC and variations across countries in COVID-19 testing and reporting practices.

Read the Key Findings in the PDF below...