Brazil Long Term Care Market Overview, 2031

Key Insights

• Brazil's long-term care market is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the country experiences rapid and unprecedented population aging. In 2025, the population aged 60 years and older reached 35.2 million, representing 16.6% of the total population, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The elderly population has grown by nearly 59% since 2012.
• The formal caregiving sector has experienced explosive growth. Brazil registered the opening of more than 57,000 new businesses focused on caregiver services in 2025 alone, with the sector growing 74% over the last five years, according to a Sebrae survey based on Federal Revenue records. This reflects the rapid response of the private sector to escalating demand for elderly care services.
• The Brazilian government has initiated historic reforms to establish a comprehensive long-term care system. The National Care Policy was instituted by Law No. 15.069/2024 and regulated by Decree No. 12.562/2025, establishing the National Care Plan with 79 concrete actions across five strategic axes. In December 2025, the Ministry of Health created the Home Care Program for the Elderly (Padi), a significant step toward systematizing home-based care.
• Brazil's long-term care infrastructure is severely underdeveloped relative to its aging population. The number of people aged 65 and over grew 57.4% in just over a decade, yet formal, organized elder-care infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth. Private services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional residential models, while public home care programs remain limited.
• Brazil faces a critical shortage of trained caregivers despite the rapid expansion of the sector. The country has opened more than 57,000 new caregiving businesses, but the workforce remains largely informal and underqualified. IBGE projections indicate that by 2070, 37.8% of the population will be aged 60 or older, representing 75.3 million Brazilians, creating unprecedented demand for care services.

Market Outlook

• According to the research report, "Brazil Long Term Care Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the Brazil Long Term Care Market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. This growth is supported by accelerating demographic aging, rising chronic disease prevalence, and significant government investment in elderly care infrastructure and the National Care Policy.
• Brazil's demographic trajectory is a primary driver of long-term care demand. The population aged 60 years and older reached 35.2 million in 2025, representing 16.6% of the total population, according to IBGE's Continuous PNAD. In 2012, this segment represented only 11.3% of the population, an increase of more than five percentage points in just over a decade. The number of people aged 65 and over grew 57.4% in 12 years. By 2050, Brazil is projected to have more than 65 million elderly people, representing approximately 30% of the national population. By 2070, IBGE projections indicate that 37.8% of the population will be aged 60 or older, representing 75.3 million Brazilians.
• The silver economy in Brazil is emerging as a significant growth opportunity. The aging population has already begun to change the profile of businesses in the country. The sector opened more than 57,000 new businesses focused on caregiver services in 2025 alone. The caregiving market is expanding rapidly, driven by changing family structures, increased female workforce participation, and the growing complexity of care needs for the elderly.
• The Brazilian government is actively strengthening the long-term care ecosystem through multiple initiatives. The National Care Policy, established by Law No. 15.069/2024 and regulated by Decree No. 12.562/2025, established the National Care Plan with 79 concrete actions. The Home Care Program for the Elderly (Padi), instituted in December 2025, represents a significant milestone in systematizing home-based care for elderly individuals restricted to their homes.
• The private sector response has been rapid. According to Sebrae, the caregiving sector grew 74% over the last five years, with more than 57,000 new businesses opened in 2025 alone. This growth reflects both the escalating demand for elderly care and the recognition of the silver economy as a significant business opportunity. Companies offering technology-enabled care coordination, professional training, and quality assurance are emerging as key differentiators in the market.

Market Dynamics

Driver: Accelerated Demographic Aging and Rising Care Dependency Brazil is undergoing one of the most rapid demographic transitions in the Americas. The population aged 60 years and older reached 35.2 million in 2025, representing 16.6% of the total population. The elderly population has grown by nearly 59% since 2012. The number of people aged 65 and over grew 57.4% in just over a decade. In 2012, the elderly represented only 11.3% of the population, an increase of more than five percentage points. The proportion of the elderly population nearly doubled between 2000 and 2023, from 8.7% to 15.6%. By 2050, Brazil is projected to have more than 65 million elderly people, representing approximately 30% of the national population. By 2070, IBGE projections indicate that 37.8% of the population will be aged 60 or older, representing 75.3 million Brazilians. The country will have more elderly than young people by 2070. This demographic shift is driven by declining fertility rates the fertility rate was 1.6 children per woman in 2024 and increasing life expectancy. The prevalence of chronic conditions and functional limitations among the elderly creates sustained demand for long-term care services across home healthcare, community care, and institutional settings.

Challenge: Severe Infrastructure Deficit and Caregiver Shortage Brazil's long-term care market faces a critical infrastructure deficit that threatens the quality and accessibility of care services. While the population aged 65 and over grew 57.4% in just over a decade, formal, organized elder-care infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth. Private services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional residential models, while public home care programs remain limited. The country has opened more than 57,000 new caregiving businesses, but the workforce remains largely informal and underqualified. The lack of a professionalized caregiving workforce creates significant quality and safety concerns. The largely unregulated nature of the home healthcare sector compounds these challenges. The caregiver shortage is particularly acute in rural and remote areas, where access to formal care services is most limited. The healthcare system faces a shortage of geriatric specialists and trained care professionals. In 2025, the Legislative Chamber held a public hearing on the creation of a National Long-Term Care System, reflecting the recognition of the systemic gaps in care provision. Without significant investment in workforce recruitment, training, compensation, and infrastructure development, Brazil's long-term care system will face increasing difficulty in meeting growing demand for care, potentially leading to access constraints and service disruptions.

Trend: Development of the National Care System and Home-Based Care Expansion A fundamental shift in long-term care policy and delivery is occurring in Brazil with the development of the National Care System. The National Care Policy was instituted by Law No. 15.069/2024 and regulated by Decree No. 12.562/2025, establishing the National Care Plan with 79 concrete actions across five strategic axes. The plan prioritizes elderly individuals who require care and support for basic and instrumental activities of daily living. The Home Care Program for the Elderly (Padi), instituted by Ministry of Health Ordinance GM/MS No. 9.584 of December 22, 2025, represents a significant milestone. Padi is intended for elderly individuals aged 60 years and older who are restricted to their homes and present stable chronic conditions, functional or cognitive decline, and no need for high-density technological procedures. The program aims to deliver coordinated, person-centered care, expand access to qualified home care, strengthen multidisciplinary team performance, and integrate health and social care services. Legislative initiatives are advancing to establish a National Long-Term Care Policy for the Elderly. Bill 7078/2025 proposes amendments to the Elderly Statute to establish the right to social care, create the National Registry of Long-Term Caregivers, and regulate remuneration and financial support for family and non-family caregivers. The CEPAL has noted that advancing gradually toward universal coverage of long-term care services and programs is defined in Law No. 15.069/2024 and Decree No. 12.562/2025.

Policies

• The National Care Policy was instituted by Law No. 15.069/2024 and regulated by Decree No. 12.562 of July 23, 2025. The decree established the National Care Plan, presenting concrete actions proposed by the federal government to promote the guarantee of the right to care, reduce the burden of care work on families and particularly on women, and promote decent work for paid care workers. The plan was developed over more than one year with over 20 executive branch agencies and comprises 79 actions across five strategic axes.
• Ministry of Health Ordinance GM/MS No. 9.584 of December 22, 2025, instituted the Home Care Program for the Elderly (Padi) within the scope of Primary Health Care. Padi is intended for elderly individuals aged 60 years and older who are restricted to their homes and present stable chronic conditions or functional/cognitive decline. The program aims to deliver coordinated, person-centered care, expand access to qualified home care, strengthen multidisciplinary team performance through the eMulti teams, and integrate health and social care services.
• Bill 7078/2025 proposes amendments to the Elderly Statute (Law No. 10.741/2003) to establish a National Long-Term Care Policy for the Elderly, establish the right to social care, create the National Registry of Long-Term Caregivers, and regulate remuneration and financial support for family and non-family caregivers.
• Bill 6305/2025 proposes the creation of the National Integrated Geriatric Care Program within the Unified Health System (AGISUS).
• In October 2025, the Chamber of Deputies held an extraordinary public hearing to discuss the creation of a National Long-Term Care System in response to Requirement No. 56/2025.
• The Legal Framework for Long-Term Care for the Elderly has been under discussion in the Chamber of Deputies. The Ministry of Health tested a model for long-term care during 2025. The Ministry of Social Development and Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger is also involved in the implementation of the National Care Plan.
• The government has strengthened home care services through the expansion of the eMulti (Multiprofessional Teams) program. The Padi program provides additional financial incentives to eMulti teams for home-based care of the elderly.

Segment Analysis

Brazil Long-Term Care Market By Service Type • Home Healthcare: Home healthcare represents the fastest-growing service segment in Brazil's long-term care market, driven by the strong preference for aging in place and government initiatives expanding home-based care. The demand for home care has grown significantly as families seek alternatives to institutional care. The Ministry of Health's Padi program represents a significant step toward systematizing home-based care for elderly individuals. Home healthcare includes personal care, nursing care, medication management, and support services delivered in the patient's home. The segment is supported by the National Care Plan's priority on elderly individuals who need care and support for daily activities. However, private services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional residential models, while public home care programs remain limited. The largely unregulated nature of the home healthcare sector presents challenges for quality assurance and standardization. Companies offering professional training, quality assurance, and technology-enabled care coordination are emerging as key differentiators in the market.
• Nursing Care / Skilled Nursing Facilities: The nursing facility sector in Brazil comprises Long-Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (ILPIs). These facilities provide 24-hour care, nursing supervision, and personal assistance for elderly individuals with high care needs. However, the sector faces significant regulatory and quality challenges. In 2025, inspections of Long-Term Care Institutions in the Federal District resulted in the interdiction of seven facilities out of 25 inspected due to violations including expired food and other irregularities. The lack of comprehensive national regulation and enforcement creates significant quality and safety concerns. Private residential services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional models. The sector faces capacity constraints, with demand for institutional care significantly outstripping supply in many regions.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Assisted living is an emerging segment in Brazil's long-term care market. The senior living market is growing, driven by demographic factors and increasing demand for housing solutions dedicated to the elderly. The proportion of elderly people (60 years or older) nearly doubled between 2000 and 2023, from 8.7% to 15.6%, creating demand for senior housing and assisted living options. The segment includes independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. The senior living market is expanding, particularly in major metropolitan areas. Private services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional models.
• Hospice and Palliative Care: Hospice and palliative care services in Brazil are delivered across multiple settings, including homes, Long-Term Care Institutions, hospitals, and dedicated palliative care units. The growing prevalence of chronic conditions and the aging population are driving demand for end-of-life care services. The Government of Goiás launched a public call for "Palliative Care for Elderly in Long-Term Care Institutions" in 2025, reflecting the growing recognition of the need for specialized end-of-life care. The growing number of elderly people with chronic conditions and functional limitations creates sustained demand for palliative care services.
• Other Services: This segment includes adult day care, long-term rehabilitation services, and community-based support services. Belo Horizonte initiated services for the elderly at CRAS centers in 2025, providing support to prevent family caregiver overload. The program accompanies more than 1,000 elderly people per year. The National Care Plan includes actions to strengthen community-based services and support for family caregivers. The need for these services is growing as families seek alternatives to full-time institutional care while maintaining caregiving responsibilities.

Brazil Long-Term Care Market By Payer Type • Public: Public sources are a significant and growing payer for long-term care services in Brazil, primarily through the Unified Health System (SUS). The Ministry of Health's Padi program provides additional financial incentives to eMulti teams for home-based care of the elderly through the Primary Health Care system. The National Care Plan includes 79 actions across five axes, with implementation involving the Ministry of Social Development and Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger, the Ministry of Women, and the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship. The SUS provides basic health coverage for elderly individuals, though specialized long-term care services remain limited. Public payers represent both a significant payer segment and a growing component of the LTC financing landscape as the government expands elderly care coverage through new programs.
• Private: Private sources account for a substantial portion of long-term care spending in Brazil. Private services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional residential models. The caregiving sector has grown significantly, with more than 57,000 new businesses opened in 2025 alone. Private health insurance provides supplementary coverage for some elderly care services. Private equity investment in the sector is increasing as the silver economy gains recognition. Private assisted living facilities operate predominantly on a private-pay model. The private sector is expected to grow as the population ages and demand for premium services increases.
• Out-of-Pocket: Out-of-pocket payments represent a significant component of long-term care spending in Brazil. Private services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional models. Families bear a significant financial burden for elderly care services not covered by public insurance. The largely unregulated nature of the home healthcare sector means that families must navigate a complex landscape of private providers, with costs varying significantly by service type, location, and quality. The economic burden on families is expected to increase as care costs rise and the population continues to age.

Brazil Long-Term Care Market By Gender • Female residents account for a larger share of Brazil's long-term care spending, driven by higher life expectancy and higher rates of disability in advanced age. Women are more likely to reach advanced ages where care dependency is highest. Among Brazilians aged 65 years and older, women represent 12.8% of the female population compared to 10.2% among men. Women are more likely to live alone in old age, increasing their reliance on formal paid care services. The caregiving workforce is predominantly female, with the majority of caregivers being women. The National Care Plan recognizes the disproportionate burden of care work on women and aims to reduce the overload of care work that falls on families and particularly on women. The gendered nature of care work means that women are both the primary recipients and the primary providers of care in Brazil's long-term care system.
• Male residents account for a smaller but growing share of Brazil's long-term care spending. The need for long-term care affects persons of all ages and is generally measured by limitations in an individual's ability to perform daily personal care activities. Men are more likely to need long-term care at younger ages due to disabilities and chronic conditions. As male life expectancy increases, the representation of men in the older adult cohort is slowly growing. The gender gap is gradually narrowing as male life expectancy increases.

Brazil Long-Term Care Market Economics

• The cost of long-term care services varies significantly by service type, geographic location, and facility type. Private services for older adults are concentrated primarily in institutional residential models. Home care costs vary widely depending on the level of care required, geographic location, and the qualifications of caregivers. The largely unregulated nature of the home healthcare sector means that pricing is not standardized, creating challenges for families navigating care options. The average cost of institutional care in Long-Term Care Institutions varies significantly by region and facility quality.
• Public financing of long-term care is growing but remains limited. The Ministry of Health's Padi program provides additional financial incentives to eMulti teams for home-based care, funded through the Primary Health Care system. The National Care Plan includes 79 actions with resources from multiple ministries. However, public spending on long-term care remains significantly below European levels. The Legislative Chamber has held hearings on the creation of a National Long-Term Care System, reflecting the need for dedicated financing mechanisms.
• Staffing costs represent a significant operating expense for all long-term care providers. The sector faces a severe workforce shortage, with the caregiver shortage particularly acute in rural and remote areas. The largely unregulated nature of the home healthcare sector means that many caregivers work informally, without formal training or certification. Low wages and difficult working conditions contribute to high turnover and recruitment challenges. The National Care Plan aims to promote decent work for paid care and domestic workers. The Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship is working to professionalize the caregiving workforce through training and certification programs.
• The economic value of the silver economy is significant and growing. The elderly population, which reached 35.2 million in 2025, represents a substantial consumer market for health, wellness, housing, leisure, and care services. The caregiving sector opened more than 57,000 new businesses in 2025, reflecting the rapid economic response to demographic change. The silver economy creates employment opportunities across multiple sectors, with the caregiving workforce representing a growing segment of the Brazilian labor market.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Long-term care Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Service Type
• Home Healthcare
• Nursing Care / Skilled Nursing Facilities: 
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Hospice & Palliative Care:
• Other Services

By Payer Type
• Public
• Private
• Out-of-Pocket

By Gender
• Male
• Female