This paper aims to present two main types of information. Firstly, it aims to identify the various factors - demographic, economic and ideological - which have come together to create an unprecedented crisis for those involved in the provision of health and social services to the elderly population. Secondly, it aims to present information on some of the special schemes devised in response to the 'crisis of the elderly'. General characteristics of a number of schemes are discussed, and considerable attention paid to their assessed costs and benefits. Special attention is paid to the format of the Kent Community Care Project, replications of which have been conducted in numerous locations incorporating rigorous evaluative frameworks. A small number of schemes administered by health authorities alone are discussed.