As a consequence of the demographic transition and the increasing proportion of older persons in the population, a significant change is occurring in the field of care and support for the aged. This transition is much more than the change in appearance of the population pyramid. The population is not only becoming older, but is also aging in a more differentiated way.The aim of this work is to show the current status of day care for older persons nee-ding care in the Austrian states, and to infer some directions for the development of day care in Styria.Two different methods were used for the present work. A literature search was per-formed, and also interviews with experts were conducted using a self-developed questionnaire. The analysis of the questionnaires was carried out using qualitative content analysis. The subsequent results of the survey on the service landscape of day care for older persons, the legal framework, the financing and the expert opinion from the states were compared and contrasted with the existing structures in Styria.The results of the literature review provided insights on differentiated aging proces-ses and theories of aging. The demographic development and the roles of family-based care were identified and the problems of family carers alluded to.The results presented show that the care and support of older persons is a very complex and dynamic field. In order to respond to these developments, day care ser-vices offered for older persons in Styria should therefore be developed in a needs-based, comprehensive and regionally balanced manner. This will enable older per-sons needing care to remain in the home environment for a longer period and also offer family carers relief and support. |