OBJECTIVES: As a consequence of Aging society, elderly people have growing need for long-term care and special nursing in their own homes as well. The focus of Hungarian health care system lacks the examination of health care provisions carried out in the social care system. This study aimed to assess the health care need within the residential social care institutions. METHODS: In 2015 March-May - with the support of State Secretary of Social Affairs of the Ministry of Human Capacities and the contribution of Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta - in 12 residential social care institutions - caring about 600 elderly people - an empirical survey was carried out using datasheets focused on care problems and health care activities. Data were analysed by descriptive and regression statistical methods. Further qualitative analysis was carried out making interviews with directors of residential care homes. RESULTS: Preliminary results showed that average age of inhabitants became increasingly higher (78 years). Growing rate of dementia (21.2%), need for intensive care (at least 12-hours a day), or continuous monitoring and special nursing (up to 35%) were observed. Our research has been continued with detailed analysis of use of special nursing care for the residents of social care institutions based on claim and utilization data of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration. CONCLUSIONS: More and more attention should be paid to nursing and other health care activities carried out in social care institutions. There is an urgent need for establishment of regulatory background, specification of human resources, competency level, and creation of incentive system or separate financing. According to our preliminary budget impact analysis the normative cover of one site with advanced nursing care costs 500 THUF, thus yearly 2 billion HUF could cover the operation of 4000 special nursing sites.