[Availability of services for the aged in Germany and the European inland market].

Due to the Contract of Maastricht, the members of the European Community are obliged to an open-market system with free competition. Essential for the system is the freedom of movement for goods, persons, services, and capital. The consequences of the realization of the contract for institutionalized help for the elderly are tested. Objects of the investigation are the "four basic freedoms", as well as the positions of the institutions for the elderly in the market. Changes are to be expected for the free trade in pharmaceuticals, medicine technology, goods for production and consumption, and capital. The structure of personnel, of junior staff, and of the clients of the institutions for the elderly will be affected. The open-door policy for commercial activities promotes the establishment of profitable nursing care, senior homes, etc. Nevertheless, the institutions for the elderly in the Federal Republic of Germany and in all other member states of the European Community are, because of their special situation, only in limited areas open to free competition. Conclusions are drawn from the expected changes for owners, management, and staff of the institutions for the elderly, as well as for their representatives in social and economic policy.