This handbook has been fully updated with the support of the Department of Health. This new edition provides vital information for anyone who may be considering care in a care home, and for those who are exploring options on behalf of someone they advise or care for. n nIt sets out clearly the rights that a person has, the choices they can make depending on their situation, and the control and independence they should be able to retain.

This study examined the experiences and aspirations of older people living in residential and nursing care homes. It highlights their ambition to increasingly influence decisions about care, support and wider issues such as whether or not to move to a care home, what helps to enhance their quality of life, and what is needed to promote their inclusion in care home, family and wider community life. nnReleased November 2009. You can download the full PDF version here:nhttp://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/older-people-vision-for-care-full.pdf

Over a million older people – including one in five people over 80 – are shut out from society and ignored by government policy‚ according to a report by Age Concern. The charity is warning that severe exclusion among older people is a significant and pressing problem that will not disappear without urgent government action.nnOut of sight‚ out of mind shows that severe exclusion is about more than money‚ crossing the boundaries of social class‚ race‚ gender and financial status. New research for the charity also reveals that the risk of exclusion increases with age – leaving many older people without access to things that most people take for granted‚ such as a decent home‚ close friends and regular company‚ stimulating activity and access to local services.n