[Geriatric homes: a non desired "good"].

The great problems which affect old people on this beginning of the XXI century, are not limited to illness. The morbid processes have other causes associated with them:forgetfulness, loneliness, insecurity and, specially, the lack of trust on the actual socio-political structures. This reflection treats the data collected from afield work developed in the city of Viana do Castelo, and the results show that the old people are now living alone, in precarious socio-relational conditions and with few resources to face their needs. The desired proximity with and by the citizen, at all levels, faces the distance and misconception of the supporting structures at the moment.