Prolonged waiting for medical assistance before nursing home admission: management and economic aspects

In the context of global population aging, the issue of effective resource management in the healthcare sector is gaining strategic importance. Delays in providing medical assistance to older adults not only deteriorate their physical condition and increase hospitalization rates but also impose a growing financial burden on households and long-term care systems. Moreover, unpredictable expenses and rising demand for specialized care complicate budget planning at both micro and macro levels. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the waiting time for medical care among older individuals in Israel and to assess the socio-economic consequences of such delays for the care system. The study also seeks to develop managerial solutions for system optimization, with particular attention to the critical transition from home-based to institutional care, which requires substantial financial and organizational resources. The paper examines systemic, economic, and administrative factors contributing to delays in care provision – namely, inefficient coordination between services, underfunding of primary healthcare, and the underdevelopment of long-term care infrastructure. A cross-sectional survey of 307 family members of elderly individuals identified key risks: increased caregiving costs, caregiver burnout, and a decline in patients’ quality of life. Involving patients in the decision-making process produced mixed results: while it extended the time required for administrative decisions, it also improved satisfaction with home-based care services. At the same time, individuals with higher education levels demonstrated greater critical attitudes toward the quality of care provided. The worsening physical condition of older adults increased the need for intensive daily care, directly impacting the financial burden on both the state and individual households. Reduced mobility further elevated the demand for specialized equipment and services, adding pressure to the social welfare system. The findings highlight the urgent need for the development and implementation of an effective management model to coordinate healthcare and social services. This includes early identification of patient needs, financial support for caregiving families, and flexible budgeting for long-term care programs. The study’s recommendations can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and healthcare managers aiming to improve decision-making efficiency, ensure sustainable funding, and enhance the quality of life for the aging population.