It can also enable older people to enjoy the benefits gained from remaining in their homes and communities for longer, significantly improving their quality of life.

Despite the importance of home-based care, a number of problems continue to plague its provision. Most significant is a lack of investment in the system, but Other problems also prevent home-based care from delivering on its potential, including low productivity, poor integration with health services, and a very fragmented market.

This paper explores the issue of home-based social care in London. It provides policymakers and commissioners with a clearer idea of what makes for good quality home-based care, the challenges that exist for delivering it, and how the increasing demand can be met. Our research identified three key tests to ensure home-care is of good quality.

• Test 1: Care is provided by well-trained care workers who have enough time to care and can provide a consistent service
• Test 2: Care is personalised to individual needs rather than prescriptive services
• Test 3: Care allows the older person to be independent and reduces reliance on acute health services