This volume draws upon interviews with family carers in nine countries to illustrate the daily lives of carers and their attitudes to caring. This report, based upon literature anaylses and interviews with family carers, documents the characteristics of this care, the problems experienced and help received by the carers.
Families provide the basic care and support to most older dependent people.
The consequent problems and needs of family carers are now, slowly, being recognised in countries of the European Union. The problem of social exclusion presents a major challenge to the well-being and stability of an integrated European Community. As its contribution, the Foundation undertook a programme of research to throw light on the role played by local inhabitants in tackling the problems of disadvantaged urban areas. This brochure examines the findings of the Foundation's research on local community action in the light of current developments in social policy and an increased emphasis on concepts of partnerships and participation. It draws attention to the need for an improved awareness of the importance and value of local communities, own resources and their ability to take actions.