The character Dorothy said in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, “There's no place like home” (Baum, 1960 , p.45). Unfortunately, many of our seniors live in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The transition from living in their own home to living in a long-term care facility can be a traumatic experience. Poor adaptation to a long-term care residence can lead to depression, malnutrition and significantly shorten the lifespan of the elderly person. It is therefore imperative that nurses recognize this quickly. According to Agnes and Guralnik (2008), adaptation is “a gradual change in behavior to conform to the dominant cultural model (p. 15).” When seniors are placed in a long-term care facility, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, they must give up certain freedoms that they take for granted. This includes bathing independently, preparing meals, and having the freedom to come and go. In most long-term care facilities, there are scheduled activity routines that include meals, bathing, some physical activity, and plenty of downtime. Downtime can be particularly difficult for seniors. It is during this time that they can think about their family, friends and other activities that they had to give up. Parker (2013) mentioned to me in an interview that she is very lucky to have family members who still care for him. her since she moved into the retirement home. Her daughters and sons come several times during the day and evening to check on her. She goes on to say that many other residents have no family or friends. They just sit in their chair and stare into space, wasting away. Nursing homes have been seen as institutions rather than homes for the elderly. This leads to more negative thoughts about LTCFs and the care provided there. As Whitaker (2009) mentions, the enc...... middle of article .......). Skilled nursing facilities and convalescent homes. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/nursing_homes_skilled_nursing_facilities.htmAckley, BJ and Ladwig, GB (2011). Nursing diagnostic manual: an evidence-based guide to care planning (9th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby. Agnes, M. and Guralnik, D. (2007). Webster's New World Academic Dictionary (4th ed.). Cleveland, OH: Wiley. Baum, F. (1960). The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. New York, NY: Dover Publications. Bergland, A. and Kirkevold, M. (2005). Thriving in nursing homes in Norway: contributing aspects described by residents. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 43, 681-691. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from the Ebsco database. Whitaker, A. (2009). Family involvement in residential aged care towards new understanding. Journal of Aging Studies, 23(3), 158-167.