[Elderly people admitted to hospital for social reasons. Patients' and their networks' perceptions of problems and expectations prior to the admission].

Elderly people may be admitted to hospital for social reasons. The aim of this study was to describe problems that lead to the admission and the expectations of the elderly and their network. Thirty-nine qualitative interviews were made with 39 informants. Data were analysed according to Grounded Theory. The backgrounds for the admissions were a mixture of social, psychological and physical reasons. The elderly found themselves isolated, lonely and sometimes afraid. They had no expectations of treatment. The network hoped that the admission would mean changes at home and in primary healthcare. Admissions due to social reasons should be avoided, but were necessary as there were no other solutions. Suggestions are presented.