Abstract:

Since Western European countries have been confronting the dilemmas associated with caring for a burgeoning older population for several decades, models developing in Europe may have relevance for the United States as it faces unprecedented growth in its aged. Scotland and Scandinavia have already begun to implement structures to respond to the increasing need for services to older adults. A cornerstone of all care models is an emphasis on community-based as opposed to institutional care, on individualized care management by a primary nurse or caregiver, a decentralization of responsibility for services to the level of the local government, public-private partnership in provision of integrated services, and support of informal caregiving.