Albania is facing a growing social challenge as its aging population increases, while institutional support for elderly care remains limited. A recent report highlighted by Euronews Albania reveals that families continue to be the primary caregivers for older adults, exposing structural gaps in the country’s social and healthcare systems.
A System Built on Family Support
In Albania, caring for the elderly is still largely considered a family responsibility rather than a state obligation. Cultural traditions, combined with limited public services, have created a system where children and relatives provide the majority of care.
Data shows that nearly one-third of Albanian families live with at least one person over the age of 65. This demographic trend reflects a rapidly aging population, which is placing increasing pressure on households.
Moreover, access to formal long-term care services remains extremely low. According to international assessments cited in the report, around 91% of elderly individuals require some form of long-term care, yet less than 2% actually receive formal institutional support.
This imbalance highlights a critical gap between demand and available services.
Limited Institutional Care and Cultural Factors
One of the main reasons behind this situation is the lack of a developed care infrastructure. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home-care services are still scarce and often inaccessible for many Albanians.
At the same time, there is a cultural hesitation toward institutional care. Many families prefer to take care of their elderly relatives at home, partly due to concerns about the quality of services and partly due to strong traditional values.
Experts note that Albania has not yet developed a “care culture” that includes widespread use of professional services.
As a result, the burden of care continues to fall disproportionately on family members.
The Hidden Cost: Women and Unpaid Labor
A significant consequence of this model is the impact on women. In most cases, caregiving responsibilities are assumed by daughters, wives, or daughters-in-law, often without financial compensation.
This unpaid labor limits women’s participation in the workforce and contributes to gender inequality. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified this issue, increasing the demand for home-based care and expanding the workload for women within households.
Economic and Social Implications
The reliance on families for elderly care has broader implications for Albania’s economy and social stability. As younger generations continue to emigrate and birth rates decline, the traditional support system is becoming increasingly fragile.
With fewer working-age individuals available to support older relatives, the sustainability of this model is under question. At the same time, the lack of formal services limits job creation in the care sector and reduces opportunities for professionalization.
The Need for Reform
Experts and policymakers agree that Albania must invest in long-term care infrastructure and develop policies that support both the elderly and their caregivers. This includes:
- Expanding access to affordable care services
- Supporting caregivers financially and socially
- Encouraging private sector involvement
- Raising awareness about professional care options
Without such reforms, the gap between needs and services is expected to widen in the coming years.
Conclusion
Albania’s reliance on family-based elderly care reflects both its cultural values and systemic limitations. While families have long served as the backbone of social support, demographic changes and economic pressures are testing this model.
The findings highlighted by Euronews Albania underline an urgent need for policy action. As the population continues to age, Albania must evolve its care system to ensure dignity, support, and sustainability for its elderly citizens.