Community vs institutional care: the case of the Australian aged

This paper analyses data, hitherto unavailable in Australia, on patterns of caring for the handicapped aged. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms enabling older handicapped persons to remain in the community. On the basis of this information, existing government policies concerning both community and institutional services are reviewed and the adequacy of present arrangements for future generations of the elderly are assessed. The findings emphasize the diverse resources and needs of the aged and the inadequacy of Australian community care programmes in terms of both variety and flexibility.