Care-givers, as a group, generally fare physically and emotionally as well or better than the population at large, at least in the early stages of their elderly relative's convalescent period. Fifty-one care-givers discussed their physical and emotional symptoms just as their relative was being discharged from a health facility and two months later. From this time-limited study it was possible to isolate restricted mobility--the feeling of being "tied down" as a major problem experienced by care-givers across all socioeconomic groups. This indicates a need for respite services which would periodically relieve the demands on care-givers and allow them necessary time for themselves. (BP)