This article is about a cross-sectional study in sheltered homes. The main objective of this study was to get insight in the most important variables which influence intensity of guidance as assessed by staff members. The random sample consists of 1359 residents living in 20 out of 40 regional institutions for sheltered homes and 5 out of 9 psychiatric residential homes. Data were analysed by means of multiple logistic regression. In accordance with the results, the following residents have an increased probability to have a higher intensity of care than others: woman, younger people (18-25 years), residents who show little activities of daily living, express a lot of physic complaints, show little internal and external social integration, show aggressive behaviour, need guidance dealing with medication, and have little household skills. It is remarkable that a higher age goes along with a high intensity of care only if no other determinants are taken into account. It is recommended to adjust the definition of intensity of care in forthcoming publications in the Netherlands. In institutions for sheltered care it will be possible to take into account the model for intensity of care as presented in this article. While most of the determinants for intensity of care can be influenced by adequate guidance it is recommended for caretakers in sheltered homes to focus especially on these factors. Finally the importance not to distinguish between younger and older inhabitants when assessing the expected intensity of guidance has to be stressed. This applies especially for psychosocial guidance.