State of the Nation: Global Perspectives
Series 3 / Episode 9
Episode 9: Global Lessons for Social Care
“What can we learn from social care systems around the world?”
In the final episode of State of the Nation: Global Perspectives, Kari Gerstheimer is joined by Adelina Comas-Herrera, a leading expert in international long-term care systems, to reflect on the lessons emerging from across the series.
After exploring social care models in countries including India, Australia, the Netherlands, and across the UK, this episode brings those global perspectives together to ask what they mean for the future of social care in England.
A shared global challenge
One of the clearest themes throughout the series is that, despite very different systems and cultures, countries are grappling with strikingly similar challenges.
Populations are ageing, demand for care is rising, workforce shortages persist and funding systems are under pressure.
No country has fully “solved” social care. But each offers valuable insight into how systems can evolve.
Adelina reflects on how international learning can help countries avoid repeating mistakes and adapt ideas in ways that reflect their own context.
Learning, not copying
A key theme in the episode is the importance of adapting ideas rather than replicating them.
Different countries have taken different approaches—from large-scale funding reform to community-based care models—but these cannot simply be transplanted into another system.
Instead, Adelina highlights the importance of understanding the principles behind successful approaches.
“It’s not about copying a model,” she explains, “it’s about understanding why it works and how it might apply in a different context.”
This perspective reinforces one of the core ideas of the series: global insights are most powerful when they are used thoughtfully and adapted locally.
The case for prevention
Adelina also reflects on the need to shift systems away from crisis response and towards prevention.
In many countries, including England, resources are heavily focused on meeting urgent and complex needs. This leaves limited capacity to invest in early support.
“We know prevention matters,” she notes, “but systems often struggle to prioritise it when they are under pressure.”
Without a stronger focus on prevention, systems risk becoming increasingly reactive, rather than supporting people to maintain independence for longer.
Valuing care and the workforce
The conversation also returns to the importance of the social care workforce.
Across countries, similar issues arise—low pay, limited progression, and ongoing recruitment challenges.
Adelina is clear that sustainable reform cannot happen without addressing how care work is valued.
“You can’t build a strong system without valuing the people who deliver it.”
This is not only a question of funding, but of recognition and status within society.
A moment to act
As the series comes to a close, Adelina reflects on the opportunity facing policymakers.
The challenges are clear. The evidence is growing. And the lessons from other countries are available.
The question now is whether systems are ready to act on that learning.
“There is a real opportunity here,” she suggests, “but it depends on whether we are willing to make the changes needed.”
Episode 9 of State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives is out now.
Followed by our final episode of In Conversation with Andy McCabe of the series.
You can find the series on Spotify , Apple Podcasts, or listen to each episode on our website. Just click on the link to the right.
Find out more about Social Care Future here
Use AccessAva, our online digital service to find free social care resources and legal support.
Promo graphic of Kari for State of our Nation Podcast
Promo graphic of Kari and Andy for State of our Nation Podcast
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