Advocacy Needs for Improving the Long-Term Care Sector

Oregon is well-known for its commitment to improving the health, quality of life, and quality of care for older adults and persons with disabilities, which is reflected in the state’s organization of long-term care (LTC). Despite Oregon’s well-deserved reputation as a pioneer in the development of long-term care facilities (LTCFs), current evidence identifies emerging challenges facing the LTC sector. Oregon ranked fourth overall in the Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard as of 2020. However, the state ranked 23rd in quality of life and care, and 24th for its affordability and access.

The Center for Public Service at Portland State University was charged with developing and implementing an Ecosystem Hub, in this case, a network of institutions or organizations providing and working to improve LTC. The hub recognizes the enormous challenges ODHS will face in terms of access, cost, quality of care, and quality of life for those living and working within LTCFs. The hub provides planning and identifies ways to address these challenges. This study is an outgrowth of the Ecosystem Hub.