All together now?

Although partnership working is important for a range of different user groups, it is particularly crucial for older people. Not only are older people major users of public services, they also tend to have complex needs which span the boundaries of traditional service provision and call for a co-ordinated response from a number of different sources. That this is the case has recently been reinforced by an Audit Commission ( 2002 ) report, Integrated Services for Older People, which says: 'Services for older people must work together if they are to meet people's needs and aspirations effectively. Many different agencies work with older people, including many non-specialist services, such as transport, education and housing, as well as services that provide care. All too often older people receive a disjointed, confused response when they need help or advice. Frequently the responses that they receive meet their needs only in part.'