Welfare Reform on the Web (August 2003): Care of the Elderly - Overseas

INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE AFTER DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

S.Richards and J. Coast

Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, vol.8, 2003, p.171-179

Review aimed to determine the effectiveness and costs of interventions intended to improve access to health and social care for older patients following hospital discharge. Fifteen randomised controlled trials, mainly from the USA, were identified. Review revealed that needs assessment may be insufficient of itself to ensure adequate provision of post-discharge care. It should be combined with a service that facilitates the implementation of care plans.

SOCIAL INEQUALITY UNDER A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT: LONG-TERM CARE IN JAPAN

M. Izuhara

Social Policy and Administration, vol.37, 2003, p.395-410

In response to population ageing and the erosion of traditional family values, the Japanese government introduced long-term care insurance in 2002. This scheme introduced to the public the idea that long-term care for older people was no longer expected of the family or awarded by the state to the indigent but was part of a social contract based on a system of mandatory contributions, uniform entitlements and consumer choice. Article goes on to explore the role of the scheme in creating social inequalities and in transforming the relationship between older people and their families.