Given the changes in the population structure, the need to reexamine social and political thought on the issue of caring for older people in the community is becoming increasingly urgent. The evidence suggests that caregivers will face complex challenges in the years to come and that current policies do not go far enough in supporting older people and their families. This paper firstly reviews some of the political context surrounding community care and highlights several issues arising from the tightening and streamlining of residential care on providing care in the community, and secondly raises awareness on providing care to relatives and friends who have dementia.