Local implementation of long-term care and the shaping of carers’ capabilities in the Netherlands and Slovenia

This article explores the implementation of long-term care (LTC) systems in four municipalities in Slovenia and the Netherlands against a context of decentralisation and deinstitutionalisation. As these reforms have increased reliance on carers for home-based care, local implementation shapes the capabilities of carers. Our analysis identifies three main challenges at the local level: fragmented information sources; treating carers as resources in care needs assessments; and the growing diversity of carers. We discuss the effects of local LTC implementation on the services available to carers and their capability to access support and participate in other valued activities.