ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is a compilation of articles based on the proceedings of a conference entitled “Successful Models of Community-Based Long Term Care for the Elderly”. The conference was held at the Columbia University School of Public Health in November 1987 and was sponsored by their new Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology. The purpose of the conference was to introduce students in the Division’s Master of Public Health with a specialization in long term care administration degree program to the concepts and issues surrounding the field of community-based long term care. The conference evaluations indicated that students and others who attended appreciated the opportunity to meet the speakers and to discuss the many topics and issues raised during the day’s presentations.
