[Utilization of inpatient care and management in aging].

The use of nursing homes and of homes for the aged during the remaining lifetime of elderly persons was investigated by means of a retrospective longitudinal study. The findings are based on a sample of persons 65 years of age or older who died during twelve months in the city of Mannheim. Information is given with regard to the probability of home admission, the duration of stay in the homes and the distribution of care provision according to demographic variables. The results point to a further increase in the need for long-term care due to the growing life expectancy.