The progress of home health care as practiced in Japan, was analyzed in relation to changes in the society, and the requirements for meeting future needs. The development of home health care consists of three stages: the first stage is a trial stage where home health care is adopted on a trial basis; the second stage incorporates nursing care within the restriction of personal care only; and in the third stage, enhancement and systematization of home health care occurs. To meet the nursing needs of the increasing number of at-home patients requiring medical treatment, the following are necessary: (1) Services should be available twenty-four hours a day all year round. (2) Systematized education should be developed for teaching nursing skills necessary for high technological care. (3) Development and distribution system for home nursing care goods and equipment is necessary. (4) A regular evaluation system for nursing services should be established. (5) Research studies on home health care and nursing should be encouraged.