In June 2025, the Public Defender of Georgia conducted monitoring of eight different types of long-term care facilities for older persons, which aimed to assess the environmental conditions and systemic practices that affect the rights of older persons and the observance of the standards necessary for a dignified life.

Facilities of different types (state, community, private) and regional distribution were selected. Based on the data obtained as a result of the monitoring, a special report was prepared, which reflects both the existing situation in the aforementioned facilities, as well as the systemic challenges that have remained unresolved for many years.

According to the report, long-term care facilities for for older persons operating under private financing are still not systematically registered and controlled in Georgia, which is why the State does not have complete information about their activities.

It was found that the medical model dominates care practice, which limits the autonomy and active participation of older people in the care process and increases the risk of their social isolation. The situation is particularly difficult for bedridden and frail older people, who are often deprived of the ability to move, walk and take proper hygienic self-care.

The report also points to insufficient qualifications of staff, the formal nature of individual care plans, the lack of social activities and the absence of effective feedback mechanisms. In a number of cases, fear-based attitudes were revealed between staff and beneficiaries.

The report includes recommendations to both state agencies and service providers, aiming to improve the care system for older people, strengthen rights-based approaches and ensure decent living standards.