Cover; Title; Copyright; Contents; Acknowledgements; Foreword; 1. Home care in Europe: an overview; 2. An emerging need for home care in Europe; 3. The supply side of home care in Europe; 4. The challenges for health policy-and decision-makers
Summary
Demographic, epidemiological, social and cultural trends in European countries are changing the traditional patterns of care. The next decades will see rising numbers of care-dependent older people and noncommunicable diseases as the leading cause of chronic illness and disability. Further, urbanization and the break-up of the traditional large family group will lead to gaps in the care of older or disabled family members. These changes in needs and social structure require a different approach to policy and services in the health and social sectors; a disease-oriented approach alone is no lon
