Projected use in two general practices of services by the elderly at home.

The proportion of people aged over 70 years in the community will, it is estimated, rise appreciably over the next 10 to 15 years. The impact, however, on different areas and different services will vary greatly. Using county based population projections this paper estimates the likely future demand by elderly people for home services in two contrasting general practices. To maintain services to meet the present demand, increases ranging from +11% to +55%, depending on the area and the service, will be required.