The aim of this study is to analyse the condition of the elderly of Rome through a multidimensional instrument to determine their assistance needs. To this purpose a sample composed by 693 over 65 subjects was selected (430 women and 263 men). The Geriatric Functional Rating Scale of Grauer was administered to them. The questionnaire is divided into 7 sections (physical health, mental health, functional skills, support to the collectivity, type of housing, social relationships and economic situation); they enable to evaluate the dependency level of each subject. On the base of each area score a total score is obtained which divides the elderly into three categories according to their assistance need. The whole information collected in the single areas led to a definition of non self-sufficiency for 4.9% of the interviewed people and of partial self-sufficiency for 5.3%, the rest of the sample turned out composed by subjects able to live in an autonomous way. This sample of elderly (about 10%) is that on which it is possible to intervene with social and/or health home care plans in order to limit institutionalization.