The general aims for the care of the elderly in Sweden are to ensure financial security, good housing, service, and care for the elderly. In this regard, two pieces of recent legislation apply: the Social Service Act of 1982 and the Health and Medical Services Act of 1983. The 1982 act emphasizes the right of the individual to receive public service and help at all stages of life; the 1983 act is intended to maintain a good standard of health and to provide care on equal terms for all. In summary, both laws emphasize that help is to be given to everyone who needs help to support himself or herself in everyday needs. Further, this help should be given in as normal a setting as possible. This means that society should help the elderly to remain in their homes for as long as possible, and that the integrity and autonomy of the elderly should be preserved in the home-care environment.