Abstract

Population ageing, and in particular the growth of the oldest old, represents a challenge for the provision of long-term care. Moreover it is often assumed that 'for both demographic and social reasons the supply of family carers’ may be diminishing just as needs for such care increase.

In this presentation I will review demographic drivers of the change in the numbers and proportions of older old people and demographic availability of close family (spouses and children). I will also review some of the evidence on possible changes in provision of family care and how this may interact with provision of formal care. I will also consider socio-economic differences in use of various forms of care.

Slides