The Social Work Service of the Veterans Administration, on examining one segment of its program, found that 1 out of 20 patients discharged from general medical and surgical hospitals during a 90-day period required assistance with planning for care after release, due to severity of illness or disability. p]Table I shows the plans developed for the 5,065 patients. The major impact of the social worker's activity is shown in the percentage of these patients returning to their own homes. Case examples reflect the involvement in determining, nurturing, and coordinating strength within the patient, family, and community necessary to achieve this record.