Mexico Introduces New Standard to Improve Care for Seniors

The National Institute of Geriatrics (INGER), part of Mexico’s Ministry of Health, has developed a competency standard for caregivers of seniors with functional dependencies. This initiative, aligned with the National Care System announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to enhance care quality and provide formal support for those in caregiving roles, addressing the increasing needs of Mexico’s aging population.

During the launch of the new standard, María del Carmen García, Director General, INGER, emphasized the importance of ensuring dignity for both caregivers and care recipients. She highlighted that work on this initiative began in 2017, focusing on creating tools that promote equity, formalize caregiving roles, and enhance the quality of life for older adults requiring assistance.

The United Nations deems healthy aging one of the most critical issues of the decade, explains Eduardo Ortiz, Founder and CEO, Koltin, to MBN. This focus is particularly relevant for Mexico as its senior population, those aged 65 and older, is expected to increase dramatically, rising from 8.2 million in 2015 to over 30 million by 2050, representing a growth of 277%, according to AARP International.

As this demographic expands, so does the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which have become the leading cause of death among older adults, accounting for 87.2% of fatalities worldwide, surpassing infectious, maternal, and perinatal conditions across all demographics, as reported by PAHO. As the prevalence of chronic illnesses increases, the demand for caregiving services is expected to grow, highlighting the need for formalized training and certification of caregivers.

The newly introduced competency standard provides a structured framework for evaluating and certifying caregivers, ensuring a consistent and dignified approach to care. By emphasizing dignity in caregiving, the standard may encourage practices that shape caregivers’ behavior, aligning with the dignity-conserving care model and fostering better health outcomes for patients.

The new standard focuses on identifying specific care needs, supporting basic daily activities, and assisting with instrumental tasks such as medication management and monitoring vital signs, says Alma Deyta, Specialized Nurse, INGER.

The standard also prioritizes record keeping. Caregivers are expected to maintain a detailed daily log, tracking medications, vital signs, administered treatments, and activities performed. This systematic approach is designed to improve care delivery and provide a resource for addressing emergencies.