What are the implications of current economic, social and political trends in Britain for older people? Social and demographic changes have led to traditional areas of welfare being transformed. The contributors to this book take a critical look at the current situation and assess the implications for future practice. They debate the assumptions and values underlying established welfare programmes and consider the case for change as growing demands put health and social services under increasing pressure. The second part of the book discusses specific areas in detail, ranging from the organisation of effective domiciliary social care to the impact of new technologies on older people's lives. This book provides a comprehensive and practical overview of the provision of services for older people and will be a valuable and thought-provoking resource for anyone involved in caring for and supporting them.

International Health Care Reform: What Goes Around, Comes Around; The Pervasive Role of Ideology in the Optimism of the Public-Private Mix in the Public Healthcare System; Efficient Purchasing in Public and Private Healthcare Systems: Mission Impossible? The Public-Private Mix in the UK; UK Health Care Reform: Continuity and Change; The Mix of Public and Private Payers in the American Health System; Political Wolves and Economic Sheep: The Sustainability of Public Health Insurance in Canada; Public-Private Mix for Health in France; The Private-Public Mix in Scandinavia; Public-Private Mix for Health Care in Germany; The Public-Private Mix in Health Services: New Zealand; The Role of the Private Sector in the Australian Health Care System; Common Challenges in Health Care Markets; Enduring Problems in Health Care Delivery