abstract: There is concern among researchers in the United States that some communities predominantly settled by members of minority ethnic groups have lower levels of nursing home provision than the average for the society as a whole. Similarly, there is some evidence that elders from such communities may be 'steered' towards segregated facilities. Data from the 1990 US Census of Population and the 1994 Illinois Long-Term Care Facility Survey were analysed to see what patterns emerged for the Chicago area. The results showed that both African American and Latino nursing home residents tend to be found in their own neighbourhoods, although overall Latinos demonstrated the greater mobility. 19 references.