When elderly persons can no longer care for themselves, they usually have only two primary options: care at home by unpaid relatives or high cost care in a nursing home; it is clear, then that a new system is needed that will offer older people more options. This report presents the major policy questions America faces in the search for a better…

Describes the demographic trends and health risk factors of the growing elderly population, especially poor minorities. Suggests rethinking traditional hospital and nursing home roles in health care delivery to the elderly, expanding research concerns, reworking access to Medicaid, and ensuring health care to minorities. (CJS)