The characteristics of 129 patients admitted to 2 Nursing Homes (with and without Alzheimer ward) and one Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit and of their caregivers were described in this pilot study. Caregivers were asked to evaluate the quality of care received by the patients. Mental status of patients was assessed with the MM-SE, Functional status with ADL and behaviours with ICS and NPI. The stress of caregivers was evaluated with the Green's Relative Stress Scale. Patients with cognitive problems were admitted because of their illness (32.4%) or because impossible to care for them at home (20%), whilst for patients without cognitive problems difficulties in treatment at home (35.3%) and problems in walking (23.5%) represented the two main categories for admission. Caregivers are mostly women (65%) and the stress level of caregiver of patients with dementia is 22.7 (range 0-60) vs 14.2 of the other group. The overall judgement on the quality of care is good with few exceptions for the relationship with doctors and health personnel, and the level of competence of the health personnel of the Nursing homes without Alzheimer ward. The study was the occasion for a reflection on caregivers' expectations and wishes and for advancing proposals for a better answer to their needs.