The following publication offers an outline of a situation of family caregivers just before the significant changes brought about by the new legislation on social services will have occurred. That the timing is right since the publication proves that the situation of family caregivers must be substantially changed and improved. If there are any doubts regarding necessity of the new law on social services, this publication will belong to the ones that will help to overcome such presumptions.

"his book presents the main results of the European research project EUROFAMCARE. It provides an overview of the current situation of family carers of older people in six European countries in relation to the availability, use and acceptability of support services. The presented findings aim at aiding policy and decision-makers to understand the critical importance of family carers now and in the coming decades to improve their situation and to encourage them in their invaluable work of caring.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of care services for older people in Slovenia with emphasis on family care. There are numerous services intended for old people in the country, some more, others less accessible and developed, yet almost no support is given to family carers, who still provide the bulk of care to elderly. Recent socio-political developments in the country give hope that the situation and the position of family carers will improve to better.

There is no extensive formal care provision or system supporting family carers in Poland. The cohabiting family plays a major role in organizing support for the elderly. Nevertheless, the family carers are not perceived as natural partners for both medical and social services. As a result, caring for the elderly often brings additional costs for the family and restrictions to work and income. This book presents the legal status and social situation of family carers in Poland, explains the range of services available and the possibilities to use help adapted specially for this group.

In the field of ageing there is a wide range of services available for the elderly, but hardly any direct support for caring family carers. Nevertheless, the majority of care for the elderly is provided by family members, especially women (wives and daughters). As a result, caring for the elderly often brings additional costs for the family. This publication presents the legal status and social situation of family carers in Portugal, explains the range of services available for the elderly and their family carers and points out some challenges for the future developments.

"Malta has an extensive formal care provision. In the field of ageing there is a wide range of services available for the elderly and for their carers aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly while maintaining them in their own homes, community and environment. However, the majority of care for the elderly is still provided by the family members. This publication is the first nation-wide report concerning the state of family members taking care of older relatives in the Maltese Islands. It investigates the socio-economic conditions of these carers while analysing their changing role and status, their needs and problems resulting from the various changes which Maltese society and family are passing through. "

Developing appropriate responses to an ageing population is recognized by policy makers throughout the developed world as a top priority, as is the vital contribution made by family caregivers. However, cultural, demographic and organizational differences between countries have encouraged diverse patterns of response to this common challenge. This book provides a systematic cross-cultural analysis of contemporary patterns and future trends in all major countries of the European Union. Additional interest is provided by including Poland emerging from the post- Communist block as the country at the forefront for joining the European Union. The book should be useful to European policy makers and academies involved in studying the health and social care needs of older people and the capacity, contribution and needs of family caregivers who provide care to older people. The book is also relevant for policy makers and researchers in other countries, mostly in North America and Australia who wish to study European approaches to supporting older people and family caregivers.