In Geleen, a survey was held among the total population aged 75-84 years on activities of daily living, housekeeping performance and use of professional and lay care. Out of 860 respondents to this postal questionnaire 334 were selected for a semistructured interview. Two groups with the same physical limitations, one using professional care and the other not, were compared on several characteristics. These characteristics were: 1. mental state (depression, dementia); 2. social network; 3. social-economical situation; 4. housing conditions. By means of multivariate analysis, associations between these characteristics and utilisation of professional care were identified. A major finding of the study was a twice as high prevalence of depression among users of professional care compared to non users. If depression is a causative factor in the demand for professional care, early detection and prevention of depression might be important in reducing professional care demand. Recognising depression in applicants for professional care may assist in adjusting the content of care.