Increasing numbers of disabled elderly stroke survivors are being discharged from hospital to Private Nursing Homes. However, there is little data available on which specific guidelines for the care of stroke patients in these homes can be based. A survey was undertaken therefore, to review patients on their discharge from hospital to Private Nursing Homes, and to assess the severity of their disability and handicap before and after entering the home. Nearly all patients were severely disabled on discharge from hospital, and the Barthel Activities of Daily Living scores of the survivors showed no significant change after four months. High levels of emotional distress and loneliness were identified by the Nottingham Health Profile, with little change after four months of nursing home care. The National Health Service has a continuing responsibility for the welfare of such vulnerable elderly people. The findings of this survey indicate that the emphasis of their care should be on the management of severe physical disability, exploitation of opportunities for further rehabilitation, alleviation of emotional distress and loneliness and, where appropriate, the provision of humane terminal care.