[Scope and limits of independent housekeeping for the aged--a contribution for the determination of needed help]

This paper proceeds from the premise that adequate help for the aged has to take into account the internal as well as the external conditions of the household. In order to determine the extent to which help is required in a specific situation, the private household is analyzed as a system of elements and their interdependence. Next, the preconditions for maintaining independence in the tasks of household management are pointed out. There are personal characteristics (ability, attitudes, skills) in relation to the means economic and social environment. Finally, the approach and methodology applied in carrying out several case studies aimed at determining the limitations of the aged in managing their situation and the extent to which they need help in specific cases are presented.