ABSTRACT
This chapter considers two key aspects of social care of older people: the role of informal care, and defining and measuring outcomes of service interventions. Informal care networks will produce a variety of commodities for the benefit of network members. The starting point of the production of welfare is the perspective of those purchasing and providing care services. The social production of welfare starts with the perspective and circumstances of the user of services, drawing on the concept of the consumer as it is used in economics. The bulk of long-term social care for older people is primarily concerned with maintenance and thus the provision or facilitation of the production of commodities. An important issue in the provision of long-term care is the future supply of carers. Through consultation with the reference group five key domains of social care were identified: food and nutrition; personal care; social participation and involvement; safety; and control over daily life.
