The study aimed to evaluate the degree of dependency of elderly inpatients, according to the classification system of patients, and to identify factors related to patient dependency to nursing care. Cross-sectional study with a sample of 161 elderly patients evaluated at the beginning, middle and end of hospitalization, according to the patient classification scale. It was identified a prevalence in the intermediate rating (52.2%); statistically significant association between the ages of 80 to 100 years with the middle and semi-intensive classes; 40% of the elderly classified to the semi-intensive care had death as the outcome. The aging process must determine specific nursing care for this population group, ensuring the quality of care.