The purpose of this study was to collect the informations on the current status and the needs of the physically disabled elderlies in the rural community along with the prevalence rate of these population. One study group for the study of disability status evaluation was 139 physically disabled elderlies living in the main island of Kangwha, and the other group for the study on prevalence of disability was 542 elderlies living in Songhae myun. The prevalence of physical disability was 6.5% in Songhae myun. The neurologic disorder was the most frequent diagnosis among the physically disabled elderlies followed by the musculoskeletal disorder. The time for the medical service delivery was delayed; 45.3% of the subjects received medical service more than one month after the onset of disability. Only 18.0% of the disabled elderlies received the public disability service, and 15.8% of the subjects was waiting for further service. The most common need from the subjects was the medical service, followed by the service from the institution such as a nursing home and the financial support. Registration rate of the disabled was very low(7.7%). There were only three physical therapists for the rehabilitation services in studies areas.

This study revealed that the public concepts for the disability and the rehabiltation service were inadequate. We hope that this basic data can be used for the planning of rehabilitation services in this community.