care services that have been developed, with a discussion of some of the confusion that surrounds the concept. The debate then moves on to centre on older people, discussing first why older people have come to be perceived as one of the main client groups that may benefit from intermediate care, and then how intermediate care could be developed to better serve their needs. An overview of ageing and the uniqueness of older people is then provided, followed by an exploration of some of the challenges faced by older people within society - and how this has extended into the delivery of health and social care.