International Journal of Social Welfare, 9(3), July 2000, pp.181-190.
Publisher:
Wiley
This article examines the social care of older people in six contrasting European countries. Family, institutional and community care are compared, focusing on vulnerability, empowerment and the gatekeeping of resources. The article considers the position of older people in each care system by presenting individual case studies. The six countries include the family-oriented systems of Ireland, Italy and Greece, and the individual-oriented systems of Denmark, Norway and England. Overall, the different levels of provision of organised social care services are a major aspect of inequality within and between the countries. Whilst there is little prospect for any major policy transfer across national boundaries, there is potential for selective cross-national learning with regard to particular service developments.
This article examines the social care of older people in six contrasting European countries. Family, institutional and community care are compared, focusing on vulnerability, empowerment and the gatekeeping of resources. The article considers the position of older people in each care system by presenting individual case studies. The six countries include the family-oriented systems of Ireland, Italy and Greece, and the individual-oriented systems of Denmark, Norway and England. Overall, the different levels of provision of organised social care services are a major aspect of inequality within and between the countries. Whilst there is little prospect for any major policy transfer across national boundaries, there is potential for selective cross-national learning with regard to particular service developments.
Subject terms:
long term care, older people, residential care, social policy, social welfare, care homes, comparative studies;
Explores the diversity of social care provision for older people in six European states. Discusses diversity in relation to general models of welfare and the relevance of social care provision to the emerging risk of social exclusion in Europe's ageing societies. Analyses the main features of care in each country, and significant differences and similarities between them, through case studies. Concludes by considering the utility of the concept of social exclusion in evaluating social care provision.
Explores the diversity of social care provision for older people in six European states. Discusses diversity in relation to general models of welfare and the relevance of social care provision to the emerging risk of social exclusion in Europe's ageing societies. Analyses the main features of care in each country, and significant differences and similarities between them, through case studies. Concludes by considering the utility of the concept of social exclusion in evaluating social care provision.
Subject terms:
older people, social exclusion, social services, social care, social care provision, community care, comparative studies, health care;
Location(s):
Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom
Provides a reference source for various modes of care (both formal and informal) for older people throughout Europe. Each chapter follows the same format and covers: demography; socio-political and administrative background; social security and pensions; housing; health care; mental health care; residential care; personal social services; voluntary care agencies and support organisations; leisure pursuits and education; and older people in rural areas.
Provides a reference source for various modes of care (both formal and informal) for older people throughout Europe. Each chapter follows the same format and covers: demography; socio-political and administrative background; social security and pensions; housing; health care; mental health care; residential care; personal social services; voluntary care agencies and support organisations; leisure pursuits and education; and older people in rural areas.
Subject terms:
housing, informal care, leisure, leisure activities, mental health services, older people, pensions, population, residential care, rural areas, social policy, social care provision, voluntary organisations, benefits, care homes, comparative studies, demographics, education, health care;