Comparison of Pandemic Experience in the Long-Term Care Sector in Canada 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.