This textbook provides a concise introduction to policy and practice issues in community care. It has been written for nurses and other health professionals in training, particularly those wishing to specialize in community care. It explains the concepts behind community care policy and demonstrates their relevance to work in healthcare settings. In a clear, accessible way, the authors draw together a wide range of material on the changing nature of community care, assess current research evidence and examine the central issues relating to everyday practice. Each chapter has a similar structure, with an introductory and concluding section making it ideal for use as a teaching text.