This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores alternative preventive strategies for reducing the likely growth in the future demand for long-term care services. It deals with discussion of some continuing dilemmas of system reform, a number of which have their parallels in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The book describes how the Swedish welfare system has already had to address the challenge of rising demand from an ageing population, concluding that reductions in services and entitlements have not been just a consequence of the economic constraints, but also reflect new ideas about the appropriate way forward. It discuses long-term care systems across half a dozen countries is the set of common challenges, for example relating to workforce, refined targeting and resource allocation, health/social interface issues, the roles of user and carer perspectives and the need to diversify the funding base.