The purpose of this study is to analyze how long-term institutions for the elderly are dealing with the need for family affection, and to identify how the elderly understand their institutionalization. The aging of the population in Brazil is a reflection of the increase in life expectancy, due to the evolution in the health field and the decrease of the birth rate. It is a slow, progressive and also inevitable process, aging is characterized by reduced physiological activity and adaptations to the external environment. This process tends to have an impact by altering the life habits and routines of the elderly and their families. A descriptive study was carried out in this study. Data collection was done through access to the SCIELO virtual library, and the LILACS database. Data collection was carried out from September to October 2018.