Needs of the elderly are complex and difficult to identify since connected with many different dimensions. The aim was to identify met and unmet needs of patients referred to old age rehabilitation services in Poland (Wroclaw-Wr) and Germany (Hamburg-Ha).

Patients (n=80) over the age of 60 were assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), Good Milieu Index (GMI) and Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL). Patients were at least 2 weeks under rehabilitation due to orthopedic or neurologic reasons.

Both groups were similar concerning age, gender, education and marital status. Satisfaction of the ward was the same. Wr-patients were significantly more demented (25.1 vs.26.8; p=0.011), depressed (4.12 vs 3.0; p=0.033) and disabled (24.88 vs 76.62; p< 0.0001).

The mean number of total, unmet and met needs before rehabilitation was similar in both centers. However, significantly more needs in accommodation, eyesight /hearing /communication and benefits were reported in Wr, whereas psychological distress and food in Ha.

During rehabilitation program over twice more unmet needs were reported in Wr vs. Ha (1.38 vs. 0.57; p =0,0029) in the areas of eyesight /hearing /communication and benefits, continence, money.

Ha received twice more formal assistance than Wr before (0,0027), but Wr twice more during rehabilitation (p< 0,0001).

Assessing individuals needs may help in creating individual complete rehabilitation program within continuing care post discharge and improve quality of life.