ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the development of integrated health and social care provision for older people in the United Kingdom (UK). It explores why integration is important, identifies the main impediments to effective integration, considers failed past attempts and initiatives designed to promote joined-up thinking and seamless care for older people, identifying the main models. The chapter illustrates that increased “integration” of health and social services has been a policy objective of UK governments since the 1960s. It describes some relevant demographic issues, the main components of the service delivery system and also considers the unique features of the political and policy-making system. The need for integrated services is often first identified in the health setting. In cases where the physical and mental condition of an older person worsens gradually, then the general practitioner should recognise that immediate carers are no longer able to cope and refer the older person for an assessment of care needs.
