Older people who need support are often offered a very narrow range of choices, and are rarely given good information about the many possibilities. This leaflet is about a range of options that care professionals may know little about. These options:

• rely on older people’s contribution – they are based on positive mutual relationships (relationships that are important to both people, and make a positive difference in their lives);
• may be informal 
• are often set up by older people themselves.

The leaflet is linked to a report about widening choices for older people with high support needs and practical guidance for commissioners of older people’s services.