Background: As the population ages, a greater demand for long-term care is expected. Admitting older people to care unit and residential home has been identified as the most significant relocation. Studying risk factors resulting in entrance to the elderly home and developing programs to delay or prevent of them are important.

Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative phenomenological study using purposive sampling of elderly residents of private and state nursing homes in Isfahan continuing until data saturation encountered, e.g when sample size became 10 participants. They were between 66-85 years old (3 men, 7 women). Data were collected by interviewer, and through field notes. Colaizzi's method was used for data analysis. The rigor of present study was based on transferability and credibility.

Results: Two themes of voluntary and compulsory entry were found. Voluntary entry sub themes were entered with previous agreement, due to financial and family problems, compulsory entry sub themes were entered with cheating, and in unconscious condition, each with specific sub concepts.

Conclusion: Several elders have resided voluntarily for taking care or getting ride of family problems and the rest have resided compulsorily with family care giver agreement. The ability of families, friends, neighbors and other community- based caregivers to provide support should be strengthened.