This paper examines the problems and dilem mas involved in delivering care to older people. In particular it seeks to identify the processes that facilitate or hinder communication and collaboration between those involved in care that has to be both reliable and expeditious to ensure that high quality care is provided. To do this the paper draws on a recent international systematic review of the relevant research lit erature which is briefly described. A geo graphical analogy is employed to help map dif ferent organisational and professional territo ries of care. It will be argued that these territo ries have their own priorities, patterns of working and perceptions of older people. The paper concludes by considering a potential way to merge territorial interests by reconfig uring the map of care around the older per son.