Social Care

Abstract

In any society there will be people who have difficulty looking after themselves, and who therefore need care and support from others. The most obvious examples of such people are children; but there are also many adults who find themselves in this position. The latter include some elderly people, those who misuse alcohol and other drugs, and people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health problems. Many people in these situations are looked after primarily by their families, or occasionally by friends or neighbours. This is sometimes termed ‘informal’ care and is a far larger source of care than is often realised; a recent study showed that one adult in seven provided such care (Evandrou, Falkingham and Glennerster, 1990, p.7). But other people in this situation are looked after by people outside the family or by institutions. This form of care is increasingly referred to as ‘social’, or sometimes ‘community’, care and it is that which will be the concern of this chapter.