03.02.03.01. Is there any data on the proportion of the population incurring in out-of-pocket expenditure when purchasing long-term care services? | Jamaica

03.02.03.01. Is there any data on the proportion of the population incurring in out-of-pocket expenditure when purchasing long-term care services? | Jamaica

27 Sep 2022

As previously mentioned, infirmaries within Jamaica are at no cost. However, they are not specific to older persons and house anyone eligible for admission over the age of 18. It is reported that all 16 infirmaries can accommodate over 2500 staff and clients in total. They, therefore, cannot meet the needs of an ageing population. As an alternative, the population is left with private long-term care facilities. At the time of writing this review, the proportion of the population that incurs in out-of-pocket expenditure on LTC or the number of persons incurring these costs is unknown. However, of the 14 registered nursing homes, STRiDE Jamaica was able to make telephone contact with six and found that the average cost of nursing homes is JD$72,500 per month or JD$870,000 per year. This cost is almost 3 times that of the monthly minimum wage (JD$28,000). The disparity in income and expense hinders LTC accessibility for persons from the low to the middle class. Attempts to contact the other registered nursing homes were unsuccessful.