How can the settings used to provide care to older people be balanced?

ABSTRACT

The optimum balance between institutional, home-based and community care for older adults requires an effective mix of organizational, funding and delivery mechanisms for target populations. This policy brief assesses at least three dimensions of care for older people first, health and social care; second, within health care (the balance between preventive care, curative care and health maintenance); and third, within social care (the balance between formal andinformal care). This brief examines how an appropriate balance of care for older people may be developed, assesses the alternative methods that may be used to bring about change in the provision of care for older people and considershow such models need to be adapted flexibly to meet local circumstances.