Discussing Israel’s Elder Care System with Prof. Issi Doron: A Podcast Summary

TL/DR –

Israel Doron, chair of the Department of Gerontology at the University of Haifa, recently discussed the differences in elder care systems between the US and Israel. Unlike the US, Israel provides universal healthcare coverage and up to 20 hours a week of free home health care for all but its most affluent residents. Doron also noted that Israel’s program, enacted in the 1980s, was one of the first in the world to legislate community-based long-term care insurance and that elder care in Israel is primarily provided by family members and low-paid workers, including women, immigrants, and migrant workers.

Discussing Elder Care in Israel and the U.S. with Prof. Israel (Issi) Doron

Israel (Issi) Doron

In a recent Risking Old Age in America podcast, I explored elder care systems in the U.S. and Israel with Prof. Israel (Issi) Doron. Unlike the U.S., Israel offers 20 hours of free home health care weekly for all but its wealthiest residents.

Key Insights on Israel’s Elder Care System

ROA: Could you share about how elder care works in Israel compared to the U.S.?

Doron: Elder care is universally challenging, spanning the U.S. and Israel. I will discuss two aspects where Israel differs from the U.S. Firstly, Israel has universal healthcare coverage. In comparison, America’s Medicare provides universal healthcare for older adults only. However, aging is a life-long matter. If adequate healthcare wasn’t provided in your 20s to 50s, it might be too late when you reach 60s and beyond. Therefore, Israel’s continuous healthcare coverage provides a better start for older adults.

Secondly, Israel, one of the world’s first, implemented community-based long-term care insurance in its social security legislation. Every Israeli resident who contributes to the social insurance system is entitled to 20 hours of home health care weekly, after a financial needs assessment. This coverage is affordable to most older adults in Israel.

Providing Care for Older Adults in Israel

ROA: Who provides the care?

Doron: Like the U.S. and most developed nations, the majority of elder care is provided by family members. Israel’s community-based long-term care services are carried out by low-paid women, often older themselves. There’s a significant portion of care workforce from ex-Soviet Union and Asia. Unfortunately, it’s a low-paid job and not easy work to do.

Listen to the full discussion here.

Find more insights in the Risking Old Age in America blog and podcast. Consumer estate planning questions are answered at AskHarry.info.

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