Factors related to institutionalization among the frail elderly with home-visiting nursing service in Japan.

A dramatic increase in the number of elderly people in Japan has led to a concurrent increase in the number of frail elderly in need of care. It is estimated that the number of frail elderly will reach 3.9 million by the year 2010. Family members are often both physically and mentally burdened with caring for the frail elderly. The present study was conducted to identify the risk factors for institutionalization among the frail elderly receiving in-home care in Japan.