24 PERSPECTIVES ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS | VOL 44 | 2026 Conclusion Prioritizing rural medical care is essential, given the high concentration of elderly residents in these regions. Although staffing shortages plague rural health care as a whole, the lack of robust LTC systems is particularly alarming. The geriatric population faces a complex intersection of chronic disease and unmet needs, ranging from assistance with activities of daily living and medication management to at-home treatments and transportation, making LTC essential to the well-being of this vulnerable group. Despite ongoing reforms, the health-care system continues to struggle with the recruitment of specialized professionals and the allocation of resources necessary to build gerontology-focused facilities in rural communities. For the recommendations outlined in this article to be implemented effectively, the EU and Croatia itself must allocate additional resources and funding to Croatia’s health care system. Croatia should then direct these funds explicitly toward rural regions with a high proportion of elderly residents. Furthermore, the country must create favorable conditions and offer incentives to attract international medical professionals, while also encouraging current medical students and health-care workers to remain and practice within the country. It is crucial that geriatric care and the scarcity of LTC facilities are addressed for the welfare and longevity of Croatia’s geriatric population. With a culture so deeply rooted in family and tradition, aid for older generations should remain at the forefront of health care. Expanding LTC facilities ensures that rural, elderly populations will receive the care they require while easing the burden of at-home care on younger family members. 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