ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses changes in the Swedish care services for the very old and the very young. It focuses on similarities and differences between the two services, and also discusses whether it is relevant to speak of one single Swedish welfare regime of social care services, or whether there is rather an 'old-age care regime' and a 'childcare regime'. Social expenditure as a percentage of GDP is high in Scandinavia and, according to most sources, highest in Sweden. Public sector involvement is extensive in both childcare and care of the elderly, and both services are often referred to as cornerstones of the Swedish welfare state. In theory, Swedish childcare policy has for a long time had the dual function of combining educational activities and care. Childcare services have by tradition been part of social policy in Sweden, regulated by the Social Services Act, and have been organized at the municipal level.
