Czech Republic faces elderly care crisis as population over 80 set to double

The Czech Republic is facing a significant demographic shift as the population of people aged 80 and older is projected to nearly double, rising from 466,000 in early 2023 to 871,000 by 2041. To maintain current bed-to-senior ratios, the country would need to construct approximately 600 new senior homes at a cost of 80 billion CZK, a feat deemed unrealistic by experts.

As a result, there is a strategic push to shift the focus of elderly care from institutional facilities to home-based care. This transition will require a massive increase in the workforce, specifically an additional 35,000 field caregivers. To address this shortage, there is potential for increased use of foreign caregivers, similar to trends seen in Germany and Austria.

This demographic trend is also impacting the real estate market. With a growing number of seniors owning significant portions of the housing stock, there is increasing demand for barrier-free living. Investing in home accessibility, such as modern self-supporting home elevators, is becoming a key factor in maintaining property value and allowing seniors to age in place.