Which countries are the best at caring for the elderly?
The Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway consistently lead global elderly care rankings in 2026. Here's how the UK compares and what it means for families.
The countries best at caring for the elderly in 2026 are those that invest heavily in home-based and community care, strong long-term care funding, and integrated health and social care systems.
As populations age across the world, governments and families face growing pressure to provide dignified, sustainable care for older people. Good elderly care extends beyond healthcare outcomes to include financial security, access to support services, social inclusion, and the ability to age well at home.
According to the World Health Organisation, by 2030, one in six people globally will be aged 60 or over. By 2050, that number is projected to exceed 2 billion. Care providers, families, and governments are working to find solutions that support people through later life with dignity and independence.
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Key insights
- Countries that perform best for elderly care invest heavily in long-term care, home care, and community-based services, not just hospitals.
- OECD data shows a wide variation in access to long-term care across countries. Switzerland, for example, supports over 20% of people aged 65+ through formal care systems.
- High-performing countries prioritise care at home, enabling older adults to remain independent for longer.
- In the UK, demand is rising faster than supply. Early planning and flexible home care models are becoming increasingly important for families.
What does “best at caring for the elderly” mean in 2026?
In recent international comparisons, countries are judged on more than just life expectancy. Experts now focus on:
- Long-term care funding, including home care, residential, and nursing care
- Access to carers and support services
- Healthcare capacity and integration
- Pension security and protection from poverty
- Age-friendly living, including transport, housing, and safety
OECD comparisons remain the most reliable way to assess this. They track both spending and real-world access to care.
Countries that consistently rank highly for elderly care
Based on the latest OECD and international health system data, the following countries stand out.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is widely regarded as the global leader in long-term care. It spends around 4.1% of GDP on long-term care, the highest in the OECD. The country places strong emphasis on home-based and community care, supporting older people early to prevent crisis admissions and unnecessary residential care – an approach closely aligned with what live-in care at home provides in the UK.
Sweden and the Nordic model
Sweden, alongside Denmark and Finland, consistently performs well through high public investment and well-developed municipal care services. Sweden spends around 3.7% of GDP on long-term care and prioritises helping people stay at home for as long as possible.
Recent data shows that even in these systems, intensive home care can be costly. This highlights the importance of sustainable funding models.
Norway
Norway combines high health spending with strong social welfare protections. Its care model benefits from excellent healthcare access and well-funded local services, supporting both medical needs and daily living assistance for older people.
Switzerland
Switzerland stands out for access to care. More than 20% of people aged 65+ receive formal long-term care. It also ranks among the highest OECD countries for per-capita health spending, contributing to strong outcomes in later life.
Germany
According to OECD data, 32% of individuals aged over 64 with care needs in Germany reside in nursing homes, reflecting a system that still leans heavily on residential provision
Canada
Canada performs well on quality of life and healthcare access for older adults. Care delivery varies by province, but Canada consistently ranks above the OECD average for health investment and outcomes in older age.
Japan
Japan is notable for its ability to support a very old population at scale. It has one of the highest numbers of hospital beds per capita and a long-established long-term care insurance system designed specifically for an ageing society.
Where does the UK sit in 2025/2026?
The UK is not among the top international performers for elderly care, but it is far from the worst.
England’s population is ageing rapidly. Projections from the Office for National Statistics suggest around 26% of the population will be aged 65+ by 2065.
Access to publicly funded care remains inconsistent across regions. Many families experience delays or gaps in support.
Live-in care at home is increasingly relied upon to bridge the gap between NHS services and long-term needs. Modern, flexible home care models play a vital role in helping families achieve better outcomes, even when national systems are under strain.
What can UK families do to make ageing more comfortable?
International rankings are informative, but what matters most is how care works in real life for individuals and families.
Plan earlier than you think
Care arranged in a crisis is rarely ideal. Early conversations and assessments help families retain more choice and control.
Prioritise continuity of care
Seeing the same carer consistently can significantly improve wellbeing, particularly for people living with dementia at home or anxiety.
Speak to a care adviser about live-in care options – no pressure, just answers to your questions
Focus on care at home where possible
Ageing at home is associated with a better quality of life and independence. It’s also what most people prefer.
Choose flexible care models
Families increasingly look for care that fits around their routines, rather than rigid agency schedules.
How Hometouch supports better elderly care in the UK
We believe many of the strengths seen in top-performing countries can be achieved within the UK system. Continuity, personalisation and care at home are all possible here.
Hometouch offers a modern alternative to traditional care agencies. We combine the control and consistency of private care with the reassurance of professional oversight.
Families choose live-in carers who match their needs and values. Care is arranged directly with the same trusted professional. We manage contracts, compliance and ongoing support.
This approach helps older people remain independent at home for longer, with care costs often comparable to residential alternatives.
“My 88-year-old mother with dementia and no mobility, who needs a hoist, has been consistently well cared for by Hometouch live-in carers for at least 4 years now. My mother is content and happy being able to stay at home and being well cared for for all of her needs. I highly recommend Hometouch.”
Mandy Wilson
Frequently asked questions
Which country is best at caring for the elderly in 2026?
The Netherlands consistently leads, spending around 4.1% of GDP on long-term care – the highest in the OECD. Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and Germany also perform strongly. What these countries share is a commitment to supporting people to remain at home for as long as possible, rather than defaulting to residential care.
Why do Nordic countries rank so highly for elderly care?
They invest heavily in public long-term care, typically spending between 3% and 4% of GDP, and prioritise home-based care over residential provision. Health and social care services are well integrated, meaning older people receive coordinated support rather than navigating fragmented systems.
Is the UK falling behind in elderly care?
The UK faces real challenges – inconsistent access to publicly funded care, growing demand from an ageing population, and a gap between NHS services and long-term social care. Flexible home care models are increasingly filling that gap, and early planning makes a significant difference to the options available to families.
Is home care better than residential care for elderly people?
For most people, yes. Ageing at home is associated with better quality of life and greater independence, particularly for people living with dementia where familiar surroundings reduce disorientation and anxiety. Live-in care provides one-to-one continuity that residential settings can’t replicate. That said, residential care is more appropriate where someone requires continuous nursing care.
How can Hometouch help my family?
Hometouch is a CQC-regulated, doctor-founded provider of live-in care across the UK. Families choose their own carer from a vetted shortlist, with ongoing clinical oversight throughout. The cost of live-in care in 2026 is often comparable to a residential care home, and funding may be available depending on individual circumstances.
If you’re thinking about care options for an elderly family member and want to understand what live-in care at home would involve, our clinical team is here to help – at whatever pace works for you.
Speak to a care adviser – no pressure, just answers to your questions
Related Care Advice
Dr Jamie Wilson is hometouch’s founder and Chief Medical Officer. Jamie’s creation of hometouch was inspired by his work as a dementia psychiatrist in the NHS, and he has written about healthcare issues in The Times and the Evening Standard. Jamie has a MBBS from the University of Leeds and has spent a decade in the NHS, working as a Psychiatric Registrar and Memory Specialist at Imperial College Hospital.