Understanding and improving transitions of older people: a user and carer centred approach

The aim of this study was not just to understand older people’s experiences of care transitions, but also to conduct the research in a way that would help to embed the findings in health and social care policy and practice. Specifically, it aimed to: • Explore older people’s experiences of moving across service boundaries, examining access to services, and information, advice and support needs • Identify how the needs of particular groups of older people may differ from each other, and the different needs of service users and carers • Investigate these issues over time, to illuminate how previous transitions impact on current and future needs • Draw out policy and practice implications for the way in which services prepare and support older people and their carers for care transitions • Support, and share the learning from, implementation of project findings in four health and social care communities.