The character Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz says, “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 your own homes to living in an LTCF can be a traumatic experience. Poor adaptation to an LTCF can cause depression, malnutrition and significantly shorten the lifespan of older adults. Therefore, it is imperative that nurses recognize this early. According to Agnes and Guralnik (2008) adaptation is “a gradual change in behavior to conform to the prevailing cultural model (p. 15).” When older adults are placed in an LTCF, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, they must give up some freedoms that are taken for granted. This includes bathing independently, cooking meals, and having the freedom to come and go. Most LTCFs have scheduled routine activities, which include meals, bathing, some physical activities, and plenty of free time. Free time can be especially hard on older adults. It is during this period of time that they can think about family, friends and other activities that they have had to give up. Parker (2013) told me in an interview that she is very lucky to have family members who still care for them. her since she moved into the nursing home. Her daughters and sons come several times throughout the day and evening to check on her. He goes on to say that many of the other residents have no family or friends. They just sit in their chairs and stare into space, wasting away. Nursing homes were considered institutions, rather than homes for the elderly. This leads to more negative thoughts about LTCFs and the care provided therein. As Whitaker (2009) mentions, LTCF's en...... middle of the paper .......). Skilled nursing facilities and convalescent homes. Retrieved November 20, 2013, from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/nursing_homes_skilled_nursing_facilities.htmAckley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2011). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Care Planning (9th ed.). Maryland Heights, Mo: Mosby. Agnes, M., & Guralnik, D. (2007). Webster's New World University Dictionary (4th ed.). Cleveland, Ohio: Wiley.Baum, F. (1960). The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. New York, NY: Dover Publications. Bergland, A., & Kirkevold, M. (2005). Thriving in nursing homes in Norway: Contributory aspects described by residents. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 43, 681–691. Retrieved November 20, 2013, from Ebsco database. Whitaker, A. (2009). Family involvement in the institutional context of elder care towards a new understanding. Journal of Aging Studies, 23(3), 158-167.