ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at some of the historical, ideological, political and economic factors underpinning the development and growth of community-based care policy and practice. The authors consider some of the issues that face service providers and service users as well as considering some of the (sometimes difficult) realities of trying to get it just right for people. The chapter also refers the reader to a number of other important sources regarding some of the more detailed and specific issues of these forms of care for particular groups.
