Geographical Development of the Long-Term Care Market for Elderly People

Abstract

This paper investigates the geographical development of the long-term care market for elderly people in North Yorkshire during 1985-88, in relation to changes in social security arrangements. The geography of the market in 1985 is presented. Material from interviews with proprietors gives some insight into how they choose locations for new homes. The pattern of growth during the following two years is then described, and the author considers whether this pattern fits that which might have been expected if new proprietors were responding to financial advantages or disincentives produced by changes made in social security arrangements in April 1985. Previous research findings about factors that might have been influential are also discussed. The study showed the complexity of current patterns in the market, and suggested that the effects of changes in social security arrangements had not been an overriding influence. The locational process will become particularly significant as new arrangements for allocation of places in homes for elderly people, and their financial support, are phased in from 1991.