Long-term care as a policy issue for the European Union and United Nations organisations

This article critically assesses the recent European Care Strategy, the European Union’s most significant policy statement yet on long-term care. Using a framework that differentiates between economistic, social protection and configurational approaches, the European Care Strategy is adjudged to rely on an economistic approach. This sees it suggest some important measures for better services and working conditions for care workers but not enough on social protection rights and too little to disrupt the reliance on unpaid carers. Comparing the European Union approach with that of several United Nations entities – the International Labour Organization, World Health Organization and UN Women – indicates that other approaches are possible, though all need improvement.