In the last few years many researches have emerged in which quality of life of terminally ill patients has been a main focus of attention. Some evaluation methods have been used in elderly population too. Our paper presents results of a study concerning the problem of QL of patients in the terminal state in institutional care for elderly people. The terminally ill over the age 65 were compared with those of the same aged men and women without cancer and those aged 64 and younger suffering from cancer too. Self-assessment of health and QL was compared with objective evaluation of the health state. We hope this study will give the opportunity to make the QL of our patients better and quality of care more effective.