How do we know how much we need?  Problems in determining need for long-term care. 
As one solution to the widely perceived "crisis" in the long-term-care system, state and local agencies have developed methodologies which specify the amount and type of long-term-care services needed in an area.  This article focuses on need-based methodologies, and criticizes the use of such formulae as a primary strategy to restructure the long-term-care system.  The major weaknesses of this type of methodology are discussed, including faulty assumptions, lack of sufficient data, and the political character of the implementation process.