Paying for Long-Term Care in the UK: Policy, Theory and Evidence

Abstract

Questions about who should provide and pay for long-term care for older people have moved up the policy agenda in the UK over the last 15 years. Concern is often justified, particularly by politicians, as a wise response to the ageing of the population. However, as this process of ageing has been taking place since the turn of the 20th century, why should concern manifest itself now? It can, perhaps, be understood by referring to other social, economic and political changes which have taken place over a shorter period but which, in combination, have opened up the space for a discussion about who ‘should’ provide and pay for care.