A commentary on the emerging literature on advocacy for older people

This paper comments on emerging themes derived from recent official publications on older people's advocacy in the UK. There is an examination of relevant policy documents and the responses from service user groups. Discussion includes: clarity in defining advocacy; the nature of the advocacy relationship; sustained and reliable financing of advocacy services; the uneven nature of provision; lack of inter‐agency connectivity; the need to establish national standards for advocacy; problems of mental capacity; and advocacy for care home residents and for minority groups. The need for and direction of further research is proposed.