Since nursing home placement is frequently the last choice for families of elderly people who need long-term care, little literature exists which delineates a model for consumer decision making in the selection of a specific long-term care facility. Critical issues include the following: (1) who actually makes the selection; (2) what other individuals influence this decision; (3) what facility characteristics are important; and (4) how the decision is made. To explore these issues, a survey of over 400 families of nursing home residents was conducted. Results explored a 5-stage decision making model (need, input, visitation, evaluation/selection, validation). Findings indicated that a resident's relative most often made the facility selection decision, with help from the family doctor, and that the resident's opinion was infrequently ranked important. Facility location emerged as a major selection factor with most respondents limiting driving time to 20 minutes. The most important facility characteristics according to families included cleanliness, level and quality of care, attitude and competence of staff, and food quality. Further research is needed to determine whether the elderly are voluntarily giving up their control of the selection decision. In addition, educational programs should be implemented to help families and prospective residents evaluate the differences between the medical and social services being provided in various long-term care facilities. (Author/ABL)