Ageing, families and welfare systems: Comparative perspectives

Some convergence between countries may be observed in total welfare spending during the later decades, but while levels are becoming more similar, the profiles are still very different. Some welfare states are high on transfers, others on services, and among services--some give priority to institutions, others invest more heavily in community (home) care. Discussed in this article is how different family cultures are reflected in welfare systems, and conversely--how welfare systems in turn may influence families. The article argues that home care services tend to have lower priority in countries with familistic policies, and higher priority where social policies are individualistic. What model is the more sustainable for the future, given the social and demographic changes to be expected?