Care Needs and Socio-Economic Status in Germany and England

In Germany and England, the number of people aged 80 and above is increasing. This rise has sparked worries about how to meet their care needs and about the fairness of care services. There is a concern that people with different economic backgrounds might not receive the same level of care. This is especially true for those living at home. The focus is on how socio-economic status affects the care that older adults receive. This includes both care from family and friends and care from professionals. It also looks at cases where care needs are not met. The study used data from two large surveys. One was conducted in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The other was the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The surveys looked at how socio-economic status influences care use. They also examined how these patterns change based on the level of care needed. The findings were surprising. In both countries, people with higher socio-economic status and fewer care needs often had unmet care requirements. This was true despite differences in long-term care systems and cultural expectations about family responsibilities. For those with greater care needs, the patterns varied by country. In Germany, people with higher socio-economic status were less likely to receive informal care from family and friends. They were more likely to use formal care services. In England, there was little difference in care use based on socio-economic status for those with high care needs. This suggests that cultural factors and the design of care systems play a significant role in how care is provided. The results highlight the need to consider the intensity of care needs when looking at inequalities in care access. The study shows that socio-economic status and care needs interact in complex ways. It is not just about having more money. It is also about cultural expectations and the design of care systems. Understanding these factors can help improve care for older adults. It can ensure that everyone receives the care they need, regardless of their economic background. This is especially important as the population ages and the demand for care services increases.