As the need for long-term care expands, evaluating the roles of its primary providers—the state, the market, and the family—becomes increasingly essential. This book first examines recent research on the contributions of families and the marketplace to long-term care. Noting the decreasing involvement of families and the limitations of market-based solutions, it then shifts focus to studies that explore public policy development aimed at supporting elderly individuals without family assistance or adequate resources. These policies aim to create a comprehensive support system by utilizing both market mechanisms and family resources to meet the needs of the dependent elderly.

The book also provides a comparative analysis of how various countries, especially in Europe and North America, address disability and dependence in their long-term care systems, offering insights into diverse strategies and solutions. This cross-country perspective identifies effective practices and highlights areas requiring further development in social insurance and support frameworks. Through this exploration, the book seeks to deepen understanding of the influence of social norms and family solidarity on long-term care provision, emphasizing how these elements can be integrated into more resilient public policy structures.

Pierre Pestieau earned his PhD from Yale University. He has taught economics at Cornell University and subsequently at the University of Liège, where he served until 2008 and now holds the title of Professor Emeritus. He is also a member of CORE in Louvain-la-Neuve and an associate member of the Paris School of Economics. His primary research interests include pension economics, social insurance, inheritance taxation, redistributive policies, and tax competition.