This book brings together and reviews the findings of research into short-term care services for a range of user groups. It examines the importance of providing a positive experience for the individual, as well as providing a break for the carer. Moving from an overview of principles, policy and practice in short-term care to a discussion of innovation, the contributors address the question of short-term care from many perspectives, considering the views of parents, the issues of costings and quality, and the current research on the provision to particular groups, including children with disabilities and dementia sufferers.