This paper is concerned with the transition of older people from acute hospital to continuing institutional long-term care. It aims to highlight issues that can remain hidden in current discussions concerning older people's continuing health and social care needs within a mixed economy of health and social care provision. The focus is on user and carer involvement in the transition. The policy context and the research findings of relevant studies are reviewed. Selected findings from an action research project currently in progress elucidate further the concerns of older users and carers. The conclusion draws together several issues which need to be considered in relation to making the experience of the transition between hospital and long-term care a humane one in the context of the mixed economy of welfare.
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