ABSTRACT
This chapter aims at comparatively analysing similarities and differences in equity choices in the long-term care systems in Austria, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom and to contrast these choices with equity objectives in the welfare state. It compares equity choices with respect to resources and burdens to be shared, among whom the resources and burdens are allocated and according to which principles allocation takes place. The chapter focuses on equity choices in the provision of care and in the finance of long-term care. The results for the two spheres are brought together in the light of basic equity objectives of the welfare state. The role of public bodies on the regional and local level in the provision and in the regulation of provision is rather strong compared with other social policy fields. Welfare state approaches in long-term care in terms of resources include, broadly speaking, benefits in-kind and cash benefits as well as regulation.
