The drawing of artificial boundaries has characterised health and social welfare services from the beginning of the welfare state in 1948. Dividing lines have developed between services, client groups, between locations (community and hospital), between professions, and between agencies and sectors. This paper looks at some of the more recent boundary disputes and considers the consequences of them for the largest client group involved - older people. Specifically, Dr Dalley considers the quality of services; the problem of the health/social care divide; and the tendency for older people to be excluded from the health system.